December was tough for Barnsley, who tumbled into the bottom half of the table. After a 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic on New Year’s Day, the Reds slipped into 16th.
Bradford City also started 2026 on a low note, delivering a performance described by boss Graham Alexander as “uncharacteristic” as they lost 3-0 to Mansfield Town.
There was no celebrating over at Rotherham United either. Matt Hamshaw’s Millers are in freefall and continued their descent with a 2-0 loss to Peterborough United.
Doncaster Rovers have also been struggling but showed improvement in their battling 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers.
Huddersfield Town also fought their way to a 1-1 draw, sharing the spoils with fellow promotion hopefuls Lincoln City.
Elsewhere, Exeter City defeated Luton Town and AFC Wimbledon were victorious away at Leyton Orient.
Managerless Port Vale thumped Blackpool 5-1, Reading saw off Burton Albion and Stevenage drew with Plymouth Argyle. Cardiff City made the trip to Wycombe Wanderers, although could only leave Adams Park with a point in the bag.
Following the New Year’s Day fixtures, data experts Opta have deployed their supercomputer to produce a fresh prediction for how the final League One table will look.
