Accrington Stanley defender Farrend Rawson delivered a standout defensive performance that saw him lead the entire EFL in clearances this past weekend. Data from WhoScored.com, published on Tuesday, shows Rawson's 16 clearances were the highest tally across the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two.
His efforts were a highlight in a difficult start to the season for John Coleman's side, who currently sit 19th in the League Two standings with just one point from their opening two matches. The team's form reads LD, having scored two goals but conceded four for a minus two goal difference. They are already five points behind the early leaders, Barnet.
How did Rawson's performance compare?
Farrend Rawson's defensive work was immense. His 16 clearances edged out Swindon Town's Billy Kirkman, who managed 15 and was named in the Team of the Week. The statistical breakdown from WhoScored.com placed Rawson at the top of this key metric for all three divisions following the latest round of fixtures. This individual achievement comes as Accrington Stanley look to solidify a back line that has been breached four times already.
While the team searches for its first win, contributions like Rawson's provide a foundation to build upon. You can track the defensive records of the entire squad on our club stats page.
What does the wider EFL Team of the Week show?
The weekly selection highlighted several exceptional displays. Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jack Bonham earned a 9.50 rating after making ten saves in a draw with QPR. In League One, Bradford City's Aden Baldwin scored a winning goal in a victory that took his team top. Billy Kirkman's all-action display for Swindon included 12 tackles, the most in the EFL.
For Accrington Stanley, the focus remains on translating individual defensive resilience into team results. The data shows they have a player capable of matching the best in the league on his day.
Where does Accrington Stanley go from here?
The immediate task is to convert strong individual showings into points. With a goal difference of -2, tightening up at the back is a clear priority, and Rawson's performance is a step in that direction. The team will need to find more attacking threat to complement such defensive resolve.
Manager John Coleman will be reviewing the fixtures ahead, looking for a match where the team can put together a complete performance. The early five-point gap to Barnet is not insurmountable, but it underscores the need for improvement quickly. The season is long, but foundations are built on performances like the one Farrend Rawson delivered this weekend.
