League One produced another action-packed weekend as Lincoln City moved to the top of the table after defeating Cardiff City, while Reading secured a late win to strengthen their playoff push. Elsewhere, promotion chasers Bolton Wanderers, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City all claimed victories, while Leyton Orient and Rotherham United endured more frustration in the relegation battle.
GK – George Wickens – Lincoln City
The Imps number one delivered an outstanding performance in goal as Lincoln City secured a crucial 2–0 victory over Cardiff City, moving a step closer to a first Championship appearance in more than 60 years. The 24-year-old produced several important saves, including impressive stops to deny Ollie Tanner and Rubin Colwill, ensuring his side maintained a valuable clean sheet.
RB – Tendayi Darikwa – Lincoln City
Lincoln captain Tendayi Darikwa endured a mixed afternoon after being subjected to alleged racist abuse from a supporter during the match against Cardiff City. The 34-year-old responded with professionalism and composure, producing yet another disciplined defensive display and continuing to lead by example at the heart of Lincoln’s backline.
CB – Mathias Ross – Plymouth Argyle
The 25-year-old once again highlighted his defensive quality with a composed and assured performance for Plymouth Argyle. The Danish centre-back played a key role in Argyle’s 2–1 victory over Doncaster Rovers, demonstrating the consistency and defensive awareness that continue to make him a vital figure for Tom Cleverley’s side.
CB – Eoin Toal – Bolton Wanderers
Skipper Eoin Toal was instrumental in Bolton Wanderers’ dramatic 3–2 comeback victory, combining defensive leadership with superb attacking output. The Northern Irish defender provided two assists for Reuben Rodrigues and Corey Blackett-Taylor, the latter scoring a beautiful stoppage-time winner to complete the turnaround.
LB – Murray Wallace – Huddersfield Town
Murray Wallace produced an excellent defensive performance as Huddersfield Town secured a narrow 1–0 win over Rotherham United to strengthen their position in the play-off race. The experienced defender won 100% of his ground duels and recorded an impressive 13 headed clearances in a commanding display at the back.
CM – Conor McGrandles – Lincoln City
Conor McGrandles continued his excellent season with another influential display for Lincoln City during their statement 2–0 victory over Cardiff City. The 29-year-old Scot was a commanding presence in midfield, regularly winning possession and driving his side forward, while also providing the assist for Dom Jefferies to cap off a dominant performance in South Wales.
CM – Vimal Yoganathan – Barnsley
Vimal Yoganathan delivered an impressive performance in midfield as Barnsley secured a 2–1 victory over Exeter City. The 20-year-old capped off his display with a well-taken header inside the penalty area, and with it Barnsley will hope the result can provide momentum for a late push towards the play-off places.
RM – Matt Ritchie – Reading
Despite only entering the match in the 76th minute, Matt Ritchie made a decisive impact for Reading in their dramatic 3–2 comeback victory against Luton Town. The experienced 36-year-old provided assists for both late goals as Leam Richardson’s side continued their pursuit of a play-off place.
CAM – Antoni Sarcevic – Bradford City
Antoni Sarcevic produced a decisive display for Bradford City, scoring twice as the Bantams secured a vital 2–1 victory over struggling Leyton Orient. The 33-year-old’s leadership and attacking quality proved crucial in midfield, with his brace ensuring Bradford remain firmly in the play-off places as the promotion race intensifies.
LM – David McGoldrick – Barnsley
David McGoldrick earns yet another inclusion in the Team of the Week following another standout display for Barnsley. The experienced 38-year-old followed up on last weekend’s hat-trick against Leyton Orient with a goal and an assist in Barnsley’s 2–1 victory over Exeter City, once again demonstrating his quality and importance to the side.
ST – Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan – Reading
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan delivered a clinical performance in front of goal, scoring an impressive hat-trick as Reading secured a late 3–2 win over play-off rivals Luton Town. The 22-year-old forward showed fantastic composure and awareness throughout, capitalising on a defensive error to complete his hat-trick and move the Royals to within a single point of the play-off places.