In a spooctacular weekend of football, the Npower League Two has a new leader as Southend continued their recent hot streak against Macclesfield. All of the action will be assessed here in the latest instalment of Andrew Steele-Davis’ League Two Review.

Let’s start with the new table toppers, Southend United who returned to the top of the summit after a solid 2-0 win away at Macclesfield. Ryan Hall gave the Shrimpers the lead with a superb rising volley which dully wins this week’s ‘Goal of the Weekend’ award. The hosts upped their game in the second half; Colin Daniel hit the bar before Vinny Mukendi forced a tremendous save from visiting keeper Luke Daniels.

However, Southend showed why they have been one of the best teams in League Two this season by digging in before Kane Ferdinand capitalised on sloppy defending by the hosts by slotting home from six yards. That was now Southend’s ninth victory in tenth games.

In the highest scoring game of the day, Burton crushed Barnet 6-3 to move just below the last play-off place whilst the pressure continues to mount on Barnet gaffer Lawrie Sanchez.

Billy Kee grabbed a hat-trick and he bagged his first from a Kevin Amankwaah cross. Kee then grabbed his second before Izale McLeod and Ricky Holmes drew the host’s level. However, Kee grabbed his hat-trick and Adi Yussuf and Jack Dyer extended the visitors lead. Sam Deering grabbed a third for Barnet but Calvin Zola wrapped up the scoring to secure the three points for Burton.

Crawley dropped down to second after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Accrington Stanley. Stanley opened the scoring when Peter Murphy converted from close range just before half time. Hope Akpan notched his first goal in Crawley colours after he drilled in a powerful shot from the edge of the area. Michael Doughty saw his last gasp effort tipped onto the crossbar by Accrington keeper Dunbavin to ensure Stanley travelled back up north with a share of the spoils. Crawley now sits behind leaders Southend on goal difference.

Morecambe climbed up to third in the table after their 3-1 victory over Gillingham in what was only their third home win of the season. Garry Hunter gave the hosts an early lead when he produced a brilliant volley from the edge of the area. Gillingham dominated proceedings but they were powerless to stop Kevin Ellison from doubling Morecambe’s lead. Frank Nouble did pull one back for the visitors through a penalty but it proved too little too late for the Gills who slipped to their second defeat this season following their 2-0 loss to Swindon in the week.

Cheltenham bounced back from defeat in midweek with a 2-1 victory over bottom of the table Plymouth Argyle. Plymouth, who’s takeover was thankfully completed early on Saturday, could not get past the Robin’s who have been in fine form this season. However, it was Plymouth who opened the scoring when Jack Butland parried a shot onto defender Steve Elliot and into the back of the net. Darryl Duffy then equalised for the hosts from the penalty spot after Elliot was brought down in the box by Curtis Nelson.

Things then got even worse for Plymouth who had Jamie Griffiths sent off for a dangerous challenge on Luke Garbutt and Duffy compounded the misery for Argyle when he bundled in the winner from close range.

In a roundup of the other results from Saturday, Swindon were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against ten man Bradford, Aldershot beat Crewe 3-1, Bristol Rovers stopped the rot with a 2-0 win over Dagenham and Redbridge, Northampton and Rotherham shared the points with a 1-1 draw, Oxford United defeated Port Vale 2-1, Shrewsbury and AFC Wimbledon played out a dull 0-0 draw and Torquay beat Hereford 2-0.

The Player of the Weekend is without a doubt Billy Kee, whose hat-trick helped lift Burton just below Swindon in the last play-off place. Kee has now netted seven goals in ten games for the Brewers.

Come back next week where we will be assessing all the action from the Npower League Two once again.