Myles Peart-Harris scored the only goal on Saturday 10 December to give Forest Green Rovers a vital three points in their Sky Bet League One relegation battle. 

With 15 minutes to play, the midfielder flicked home Harry Boyes’ in-swinging free-kick to give Rovers the derby victory over Cheltenham Town. The win, Rovers’ second in a week, leaves them just a point from safety ahead of their trip to Derby County next weekend.

Sky Bet Championship

The Championship returned this weekend. Fin Stevens wasn’t involved in Swansea City’s 1-0 defeat at home to Norwich City, Teemu Pukki scoring the first-minute goal, while Tariqe Fosu played the full 90 of Stoke City’s 2-2 draw against Cardiff City. 

Following Ryan Wintle’s sixth-minute opener, Stoke hit back through Tyrese Campbell and Liam Delap to lead before the mid-point of the half. However, Callum Robinson struck on the hour to claim a point for the Bluebirds. 

Halil Dervişoğlu also wasn’t involved as Burnley kept up the pace at the top of the Sky Bet Championship with victory over QPR. The Claret’s three-goal win means they are now eight points clear of third after 22 matches.

This upcoming weekend sees Swansea City head to Coventry City, Stoke City visit Bristol City and Burnley host Middlesbrough. 

Sky Bet League One

Daniel Oyegoke wasn’t involved in MK Dons’ 2-1 defeat at home to Fleetwood Town, a result that leaves them six points from safety.

The Dons, who subsequently parted company with manager Liam Manning yesterday, travel to Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night before heading to Portsmouth in the league on Saturday.

Sky Bet League Two

In Sky Bet League Two, Nathan Young-Coombes made his return to the AFC Wimbledon squad for their goalless draw at Swindon Town.

While Young-Coombes remained an unused substitute, Paris Maghoma played the full 90 minutes at the County Ground as AFC closed the gap to the play-offs to three points following the draw. 

A pair of second-half goals condemned Ellery Balcombe and Crawley Town to defeat at home to Hartlepool United on Friday night. Balcombe was beaten twice in 17 second-half minutes, the second a Travis Johnson own-goal, as Crawley continue to look over their shoulder in the lower reaches of the fourth tier. 

There was no action for Lachlan Brook and Crewe Alexandra over the weekend; their game at home to league leaders Leyton Orient falling foul of the weather. 

The Dons travel to Plymouth Argyle tomorrow night in the third round of the EFL Trophy before a home game against second-placed Stevenage on Saturday.

Crewe and Crawley are both on the road this weekend, at Walsall and Tranmere Rovers respectively. 

On the continent

Joel Valencia missed De Graafschap’s 2-1 defeat to FC Eindhoven due to injury, the Super Farmers dropping to 12th as a result.

On Friday night they play Willem II in the Dutch second tier. 

Mads Bech featured in both of OGC Nice’s friendlies in Spain last week.

The central defender played the second half of OGC’s 4-1 victory over Standard Liege on Thursday before an hour against Girona on Saturday.

Nice lost that second game 2-1, which was played over four 30-minute quarters, following a pair of late goals. Nice’s preparations for the return of Ligue 1 continue on Friday night with a friendly at home to Atalanta.