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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Dutch star gives the Clarets an extra edge
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POMPEY'S RECOVERY IS RITCHIE DESERVED!
MATT Ritchie's first two Fratton Park goals as a Portsmouth player is completing \"unfinished business\" according to John Mousinho, after Pompey beat Middlesbrough.
LAMPARD APPLAUDS BATTLING SKY BLUES
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STUART praised Sprais County Maynard the Notts set-pieces as they scored twice from corners in a win over struggling Accrington Stanley.
If Enzo finds form, the fee's a bargain
ENZO Le Fee's loan move from Roma to Sunderland is a gamble.
HUNGRY ACE JOE ON GOAL MISSION
JOE Taylor is ready to unload six months of pent-up frustration after completing a £3m switch from Luton to Huddersfield.
BANNAN, MULLIN & COOK NET AWARDS
BARRY Bannan, Paul Mullin and Andy Cook are celebrating winning the Sky Bet EFL Goal of the Month awards for December.
JAY EYES MORE CUP HEADLINES
Defender ready for Eagles...
DI'SHON'S FOCUS IS ON THE DERBY
Players to ignore off-pitch tensions
