Former Portsmouth boss lauds surprise pacesetters as Joey Barton makes Fleetwood demand after latest defeat

The Imps twice battled from behind to snare victory after James Husband was sent off for the Tangerines.

Former Pompey boss Michael Appleton was delighted with the character of his players.

He told Lincolnshire Live: ‘We ticked a lot of boxes as a team. To go behind two times and win it, and win it in the fashion we did, was great.’

Fleetwood’s slow start continued as Rochdale picked up their first win of the season over the Cod Army with a 2-1 success.

Fabio Tavares’ last-minute finish sent last season’s play-off finishers spinning to a 2-1 loss – their fourth on the bounce.

Boss Joey Barton told the Blackpool Gazette: ‘It felt like a kick in the proverbials because I thought there was only one team looking likely to go on and win the game, certainly on the balance of play in the second half. We need reinforcements and I have been crying out for them for six or eight weeks now.’

Hull continued their fine opening after relegation from the Championship as they kept up their 100 per cent record with a 1-0 win over Plymouth, with Hakeeb Adelakun doing the damage.

Tigers boss Grant McCann told BBC Radio Humberside: ‘We set out to be really aggressive and be on the front foot. They’re a really good team, Plymouth, they play well, they play it out from the back.’

Ipswich’s own 100 per cent record came to an end as MK Dons picked up their second point of the season at Portman Road.

Jon Nolan gave the Tractor Boys the lead, before Daniel Harvie rescued a deserved point for Russell Martin’s side.

Two fancied contenders Charlton and Sunderland played out a 0-0 draw at The Valley.

Tom Flanagan was sent off for the visitors, who will feel frustrated they didn’t take one of the host of first-half chances which came their way.

Elsewhere, two goals from Jonson Clarke-Harris helped Peterborough to a 3-1 win over a Swindon side including Brett Pitman.

Wigan followed up their win over Pompey with a 1-0 success against Doncaster, Bristol Rovers defeated Northampton 2-0, Accrington were 2-1 winners at AFC Wimbledon while Shrewsbury and Gillingham played out a 1-1 draw.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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