The 27-year-old midfielder hit three goals in three games following his return from a hamstring injury two weeks ago – a tally that matched his combined return over the previous three seasons.
Making his first appearance of the campaign, super-sub Close grabbed a 96th-minute winner at Forest Green to earn Rovers a belated maiden League Two victory in 2023-24.
Then, following a 71-minute run-out in the EFL Trophy against Everton U21s, he bagged a brace in last weekend’s 2-1 triumph over then table-toppers Gillingham.
His goal spurt might have raised an eyebrow or two, but Close did once net 15 times over two League One seasons for home-town club Portsmouth and, while confessing that his long-range strike at Forest Green was an unintended fluke, it also gave him the encouragement to try his luck twice from distance with spectacular rewards against the Gills.
Spells
Esta historia es de la edición October 01, 2023 de The Football League Paper.
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Esta historia es de la edición October 01, 2023 de The Football League Paper.
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LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.
