Bromley continued their remarkable rise with another statement win, extending their lead at the top of League Two thanks once again to the irrepressible Michael Cheek. Early pressure, ruthless efficiency and familiar defensive frailties from Tranmere combined to produce a result that underlined Bromley’s promotion credentials - and left the rest of the division on notice.

Preston North End are making a strong push for promotion after a convincing win at Bristol City, fueled by their strategic loan market and consistent business model. With top players like Lewis Dobbin and Alfie Devine thriving, Preston are in touching distance of the automatic promotion spots. But, in a season of tight competition, can they hold their nerve for a historic top-flight return?

A relegation six-pointer in theory, a defensive horror show in practice. Northampton arrived at the Pirelli hoping to put daylight between themselves and the drop zone, but instead served up a Boxing Day masterclass in self-destruction. Burton, ruthless and grateful, cashed in on every mistake to run out emphatic winners in a game that said plenty about the fine margins – and fine nerves – at the bottom of League One.

Watford edged past Stoke City at Vicarage Road in a tight, controversial encounter decided by fine margins and an even finer offside call. As the Hornets continue their climb up the table under Javi Gracia, the Potters’ early-season momentum shows signs of fading, leaving Mark Robins’ side searching for answers heading into the festive period.

Stevenage silenced Edgley Park with a ruthless 3–1 win over Stockport County, reigniting their promotion push just as both sides teetered on the edge of the League One play-off race. A stunning Chem Campbell opener, a long-awaited Jamie Reid goal and a devastating six-second sucker punch after Stockport pulled one back made this a defining afternoon in the promotion picture.

Southampton’s resurgence under newly appointed manager Tonda Eckert continued with an impressive 3-1 win over Birmingham City at St. Mary’s. After earning the job permanently thanks to four wins in five as interim boss, Eckert marked his official debut in style. Finn Azaz and Adam Armstrong tore through Birmingham’s fragile away defence, with the former scoring one and assisting another as his remarkable revival under Eckert rolls on. Despite a stunning strike from Demarai Gray that briefly halved the deficit, Birmingham’s poor away form once again proved their undoing. They’ve picked up just two wins on the road all season, a stark contrast to their strong home record. Southampton, meanwhile, are suddenly back in the playoff conversation and playing with a belief not seen in over a year.

Wimbledon fought valiantly but couldn’t convert their three leads, ultimately drawing 3-3 in a thrilling encounter with Huddersfield. Both clubs remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, but with results hard to come by, the pressure is mounting as League One’s competitive nature heats up.

In a scrappy encounter at Vale Park, Plymouth Argyle edged out Port Vale with a crucial 1-0 victory in the battle of the bottom two. Lorent Tolaj's second-half strike was the difference, as the visitors capitalized on a rare chance. Despite dominating possession, Port Vale’s inability to finish chances has left them rooted to the bottom of the League One table. Will Argyle's first win in eight games spark a turnaround, or will Port Vale continue to struggle in front of goal?

Lincoln City seized a crucial opportunity in the League One promotion race, edging past a struggling Doncaster side to climb into the automatic spots. Francis Okoronkwo’s first league goal for the club and a chaotic second-half own goal proved enough in a tense 2–1 win. Doncaster briefly levelled through Brandon Hanlan, but their defensive frailties resurfaced immediately. With promotion and relegation battles tightening by the week, this result could prove pivotal for both clubs.

Ipswich Town stormed to another dominant victory in Wales, dismantling Swansea City 4-1 to edge closer to an immediate Premier League return. Jack Clarke opened the scoring with a screamer before former Tractor Boy Cameron Burgess endured a nightmare, scoring two own goals to hand his old club the points. With three wins and a draw in their last four, Kieran McKenna’s side are hitting stride, while Swansea look dangerously close to slipping into a relegation scrap.

Sheffield United’s Championship misery deepened on Halloween weekend as Derby County strolled into Bramall Lane and left with all three points. The Rams’ 3-1 win marked their third consecutive victory and highlighted just how far the Blades have fallen since last season’s promotion push. Carlton Morris bagged his first career hat-trick, while Sheffield United once again gifted goals through sloppy defending and lack of leadership.