Stoppage time goals can be the bane of some teams seasons whilst for others they can completely change the outcome of a game, especially in League Two.
For Bristol Rovers, only Sion Spence’s goal away at Walsall back in September has reflected positively for them when a game has hinged on one goal. The Gas however have dropped points to the likes of Mansfield, Bradford and nine-man Salford City this season but on a whole fortunately fans haven’t been put through too much late drama this season.
For other teams in the division, their position changes ever so slightly if you take away for what for some teams is that dreaded additional time the fourth official shows.
What if games finished bang on the ninetieth minute though? We take a look at how the League Two table stacks up if stoppage time was removed and there are some intriguing results.
1. 24th, Scunthorpe - 23 points
Actual position:24th Actual points:22. Scunthorpe have seen the outcome of two games changed due to stoppage time goals, one being a 2-2 draw with Carlisle United where Brennan Dickenson equalised. | Getty Images Photo: Nathan Stirk/Getty Image
2. 2. 23rd, Oldham Athletic - 23 points
Actual position:23rd. Actual points:26. Oldham have had three outcomes of games changed, dropping three points in total. | Getty Images Photo: James Gill/Getty Images
3. 22nd, Carlisle - 27 points
Actual position:22nd Actual points 28. Carlisle remained 22nd only dropping one point from stoppage time goals. Carlisle’s games with Crawley both home and away have had stoppage time goals involved. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
4. 21st, Colchester - 27 points
Actual position: 21st Actual points: 31. Colchester have benefited from stoppage time goals equalising late against Mansfield and Swindon. | Getty Images Photo: Lewis Storey/Getty Images