26/04/2014 The Football League Show

Good evening. Good to have you with us as we reflect on the penultimate

weekend in the Skybet Football League - which once again promises a

thrilling finish across all three divisions.

And since we were last with you, congratulations to Leicester City,

who capped their promotion by claiming The Championship title with

a win at Bolton on Tuesday night. And that meant 11 more issues could

be decided as a result of the latest round of games. Steve's with me to

see how many of them actually materialised. And here's what's

coming up. Our featured match comes from the DW Stadium, with two of

Lancashire's finest going in opposite directions. Wigan looking

to seal their place in the play-offs at the expense of a Blackpool side

staring at relegation. We've the best of the action from Saturday's

early kick-off as newly promoted Burnley welcomed Ipswich with the

Tractor Boys needing a win to keep their play-off hopes alive. After

dropping out of the top six, Brighton were looking to regain

their play-off place on Friday night at home to bottom club Yeovil. Here

is hoping to escape from the Challenger, and he is trying to stay

in it. And I'm at Loftus Road to catch up with all the latest at QPR

as Millwall, fighting for Championship survival, arrive for a

critical London derby. All that to come, but first to a Lancashire

derby involving two sides desperate for win for very different reasons.

Wigan, needed victory to seal their place in the play-offs and keep

alive their dream of an instant return to the Premier League, while

for Blackpool, two wins in 28 saw them drop into the relegation zone

last week for the first time this season.

Commentary from John Roder. Three points from the last three games

will get Wigan into the play-offs, whilst Blackpool are looking to

cement their Championship status. Uwe Rosler names the same side that

started the victory over Reading on Good Friday. Blackpool, without a

win in the last seven recorded the last away victory in early November.

It is the same team that started Monday's draw at Brighton where

Stephen Dobbie hit a spectacular strike to earn a point for the

Seasiders. Blackpool, managing to regain

possession. That could have been a dangerous slip. Gomez. Maloney. That

is a penalty. The foul on Sean Maloney by Tony McMahon. And Wigan

Athletic out the first opportunity of note, to move in front. Andy

D'Urso, Right up with play, judging that this challenge by Tony Ming

ma'am is worthy of a spot kick. -- Tony McMahon. The Blackpool fans

behind the goal hoping it will be saved and it is, the spot kick from

Martyn Waghorn saved by Matt Gilks. That could be a huge moment in

Blackpool's battle for Championship survival. Matt Gilks, punching it

away, and behind the goal, the Blackpool supporters celebrating

like Matt. -- like mad. Stephen Dobbie. MacArthur. McManaman. Callum

McManaman driving across goal. And it was not too far away, either.

Callum McManaman with a very dangerous cross, indeed.

Just away by Tony McMahon. Espinosa driving it across, and Martyn

Waghorn was so close to getting a touch but couldn't. It has not been

a good afternoon for Martyn Waghorn, so far. Espinosa, driving it across

the penalty area. It has not been a spectacular first half performance

from either side. Emerson Boyce, and look at the room

on that far side for Shaun Maloney. Chris Basham, holding the progress

of Maloney. -- halting. Right across goal, and Nick Powell

with a final touch, putting it wide. Driven in low and hard. Nick

Powell, little off-balance, slicing it wide.

Espinosa on the charge. Taken by Matt Gilks. Blackpool, with just

three victories in their last 30, in the league, and 20 degrees, with

Wigan, having won 14 of the last 29. -- 20 defeats. It is in, Andy Keogh

with a breakthrough for Blackpool. And the stand behind that goal is

full of jubilant Blackpool supporters. The

relegation-threatened side go in front. Andy Keogh getting his third

goal for the Seasiders, since joining on loan from Millwall, and

goal for the Seasiders, since it could be his most important yet.

Isaiah Osbourne with the ball in, Andy Keogh glancing his header past

Ali Al-Habsi. It is an enormous boost for Blackpool's hopes of

staying in this division. Andy Keogh. Getting in behind, can

you pull it act, Stephen Dobbie, 2-0! -- can he pull it back? The

Blackpool fans cannot quite believe what they are seen. -- seeing.

Andy Keogh, just able to keep the ball in play, perfect ball back, and

Stephen Dobbie was not going to miss from there. Blackpool's survival

hopes have been given another huge boost.

Nick Powell, getting away from Stephen Dobbie. Jean Beausejour.

Maloney, Matt Gilks came for it. Desperate Blackpool defending,

picked up by Callum McManaman. Gomez, going for gold, then it is to

have an over, Nick Powell with the effort. -- going for goal. Lining

up, in Wigan colours, to have a pop at goal. Wigan, in truth, looking

like a beaten team, and that is an opinion shared by quite a few here,

who are already on their way home. An explosion of joy and noise and

relief from the black holes supporters as Barry Ferguson guides

them to victory at the DW Stadium. It is a massive boost to their

chances of staying in The Championship. Massive victory for

Blackpool. Huge blow for Wigan. It has been a crazy, disappointing

season. Just being drained of confidence and everything that

surrounds the club, but we have stuck together, and that is the main

thing for me. We are reaping the benefits of that, with a good second

half performance. Black Poole are very good against the ball, very

compact and it was hard for us to come back. We have to focus on the

positive. We go now to Birmingham with another final. Wigan stuttering

up the moment, but the Blackpool, much more to be infused about. The

last time we focused on them was the incident on the touchline. But this

was a lot more for the fans to yes, it was a masterstroke. Almost an

exact replica of what we have before. A splintered club, almost

brought the club to gather. They grew into the game. You thought, do

did they believed they could win? Second half, they started to believe

what they were doing. Scored. And from then to the end of the game,

they were the better side. The turning point was on 20 minute when

Wigan were worded the penalty, what did you think of that? What happens

is, Maloney gets his feet in a tangle. He is going down, gets a

touch, but also falls over the ball as well. Wonderful save. This could

be the saved back keeps them in the division. It probably will. They had

to weather the storm in the first half will stop in the second half,

Andy Keogh, you liked the way he finished this? No surprise. He gets

up so well. The ball back to Osborne is fantastic. He gets in between the

sect -- to centre halves. He gets up really well. A good finish. As the

ball is played forward, Neil Barnett maybe could do a bit more. He thinks

it is going out. He needed to make more of an effort to get onto it and

stop the ball coming into the box 's. They were too good goals.

Stephen Dobbie scores key goals at this stage of the season? 58 games

for Wigan, two wins in the last eight, are they running out of

steam? I am not so sure, they gave Reading a humbling a couple of weeks

ago. It is a time in the season, I don't know if they have taken their

foot off the gas a little bit, they have been in the play-offs. They

have a little bit of work to do now. And what a time the Blackpool to

score more than one goal in six months. Ipswich travel to Burnley

hoping to dampen their promotion party. Sean Dyche kept faith with

the team that clinched victory last weekend.

Tommy Smith has scored five league goals this season. Comes inside and

shoots into the side netting. His reaction suggests he knows how good

a chance that was, Danny Ings. What a job Sean Dyche has done. Ashley

Barnes. Danny Ings. A real chance. Three goals in three games. It is a

hammer blow to the Ipswich hopes of making the play-offs. The man signed

from Wolves seven years ago has dealt his manager a massive low.

Ashley Barnes springs. Kightly could not refuse the opening. His

excellent end of season form continues as he deals Mick

McCarthy's men a rotten hand in the play-off race. It is a long journey.

It is a big club, and one that has been away from the top flight now

for 12 years. A long time. lovely ball in. Ross Wallace gets

between the markers. The track boys need to goals from somewhere. Green

has been chopped down into the box. Taylor! Heated's fingertips keep it

out. Tom Heaton's fingertips keep it out. Mick McCarthy has done a

terrific job in his year and a half in charge of Ipswich. Maybe the

play-offs are a bridge too far. That sat up nicely for him. It is a good

effort. He has never been prolific. The whistle goes. Burnley's last

home game. Mick McCarthy and his team are headed for a 13th

successive year at this level. Burnley have one more game before

they kick off in the Premier League next season. There will be ships in

the market, shifts in our own group. It is a natural next step moving

into a different division. We will need to affect the group because we

work with a minimal number. We can't work with this number in the

Premiership. It is important we look at the market and then start

twisting and turning the best we can. We deserve to be near the

play-offs but that is why we will end up where we are and not in the

play-offs. When we have played well and not taken opportunities, it has

cost us. Games like this were always going to be tight. We made a

mistake. You finish where you deserve to finish at the end of it.

That takes Burnley beyond the 90 point barrier, how impressed have

you been considering they have secured promotion on Easter Monday?

A couple of the lads have been interviewed about the season they

have had. The first thing that came across is how well-prepared they

were. They all knew their jobs. If you look at Leicester and Burnley,

the managers have not overcomplicated anything. They have

stuck to a rigid formula of what they have required from those

players. Why would they take their foot off the gas? You have been in

their situation and secure promotion. Do the players want to

sit back and relax, reflect and enjoyed the moments before the

pundits start writing off their hopes in the Premier League? That is

disrespectful, anybody who does that will be wrong. Relief, enjoyments, a

mixture. These seasons don't come round every year, so make the most

of it. But look towards the Premiership, look to see how you can

do better and prepare yourself for another big challenge. Ipswich had

the chance of making the play-offs, but only towards the end of last

season they went to Burnley at the securing their place in the bottom

three. In the last 12 months they have made great strides under Mick

McCarthy? Mick McCarthy was interviewed and he said, we are a

top ten side, happy with his squad. With a bit of luck, we might make

the play-offs. David McGoldrick got injured and maybe that was the

turning point in their season. Six teams are jostling for the remaining

play-off laces. Brighton played Yeovil who knew defeat would signal

the end of their first-ever season the second tier.

That was a good hits. That was careless by McAllister. Lingard.

Chance was missed. From that position, he should have scored.

Edwards! Great chance for Yeovilton to take the lead. An opportunity

carved out by the substitute. -- Yeovil.

Testing ball in. All the way in. When they needed it most, Brighton

have just got lucky. It was an attempted cross by Kazenga LuaLua

has gone straight in past the goalkeeper who was rooted to his

line. Lingard. That finishes it. Two

minutes into stoppage time. On loan, Jesse Lingard, borrowed from

Manchester United turns in the second and victory to Brighton.

Although it was goalless with 12 minutes to go. Yeovil Town are

relegated. Every now and again at this level, you get that extra bit

of quality that costs goals against you. Our luck have been like that

all season as well. We have been prolific if we could shoot three

inches lower. Two months ago, nobody said can be fighting in the last

round to get into the play-offs. We are here. A driving force in

Derby's midfield, the reward for them season was the player of the

honour. There was an early blow to their prospects of racking up a

fifth successive win. Troy Dini finished as calm as they come. Far

left -- far less composed, defending. The Rams completed the

turnaround with Craig Forsyth. There was more trouble in store for the

Hornets who face the final quarter of the match a man light. Despite

that disadvantage, what would found a way to draw work -- level. That

was sloppy play. Derby were rescued by Hendrik. His third goal in two

games restoring their lead as the Rams guaranteed them selves third

place. Still time for Chris Martin to take his place on the scoresheet.

Derby equalled their record points tally and maintained momentum

although the boss will take nothing for granted. We are playing good

foot ball and going into the play-offs in good form. But for

means nothing in these play-offs. Anything can happen. Brighton's win

will have left Reading feeling deflated for the trip to Doncaster

whose own season was in danger of blowing up. The outlook appeared

promising. It was copping jerk's goal that won the side promotion

last year. Nigel Atkins team set about repairing the damage. A

pointer wouldn't be ideal for either side but with three minutes left,

the travelling fans were sent into raptures. For the first time since

the opening day, the Royals have come from behind to take maximum

points. The Berkshire club are up to fifth but Doncaster's fight for

survival goes to the final game. The first half wasn't very good?

Correct. Just reminded the players what is expected and they are the

ones who have to go out and do it. They did a great in the second half.

AIK cannot remember Sam Johnstone moving, but he picked the ball out

of the back of his net three times. Mathematically, Rovers can make the

play-offs but that would require an improbable series of results. Just

missing out can be a painful business. Ask Jordan Rhodes. Marvin

Sordell's Easter Monday hat-trick had strengthened their survival bid.

But his spot kick was weak and comfortably saved by Robinson. Black

bird took full advantage. Michael Keane doubled their lead in the

second half as Charlton succumbed to a fourth home defeat out of six.

Their game in hand is at the Valley with what would the visitors on

Tuesday. -- Watford. Blackburn Rovers made sure of victory with

eight third goal. Tom Cairney proved decisive.

All we can do is look after ourselves and we have a difficult

game against Wigan. We have two reproduce the level of performance

we have shown today. Yeovil saw their fate sealed 24 hours ago and

damaging results for Charlton and Doncaster. Let's concentrate on the

play-offs. Reading, it was only their second comeback win of the

season, the first being on the opening day of the season. Now the

fates of the play-offs is back in their own hands? Yes, the last

couple of games they have won had they have managed to turn things

around. That was just allowed to run through. It was a good win. It is in

their hands. If that was the last game of the season, they would have

taken that. Non-RB 's teams are grasping six place and securing it?

Three teams in the battle for two places? If you look at the play-off

situations, only Derby have kept the momentum going will stop QPR have

stuttered at times. Teams below them, Reading, Wigan, Brighton, have

all flattered at times to deceive. If you are in this situation it is

yours to throw away. I don't expect Wigan or Reading to open the door.

But it is close with goal difference? It is just one goal.

Black burn and are only three points off. If you look at the game

Brighton have against black burn, goal difference has done them a

favour because it has ruled like burn-out of the occasion. As we

approach the final round of games, non-these managers their rest their

key players? If it is in your hands, you will be disappointed if you do

not see it through, last game of the season. As for the pre-season

favourites for automatic promotion - if QPR are to bounce back to the

Premier League at the first time of asking, they'll have to do it the

hard way. Clem was at Loftus Road today to assess the mood as they

welcomed a familiar face in Ian Holloway, with his Millwall side

scrapping for their Championship lives. The look of a whopping happen

this season season with injuries. At the gate. They could probably

perform in the Premiership. Against Barnsley and it seems, is it.

is we are in Wales, and I think that we have got a good

It is great to see them growing. Welcome home. It is weird for you.

15 years you put in here? I know, it has not been as difficult. It should

be good. You are going to put some shorts on for the match? Are you in

the zone, ready? I don't know what in the zone is! I will be ready. As

ready as we can be. Got good players, good lads, has been a great

atmosphere. Looking forward to it. Millwall did their best to set the

early tempo. David Forde had to scramble to keep

out Charlie Austin and Niko Kranjcar in rapid succession. Ravel Morrison

was thwarted as both men were at full stretch. Then the strugglers

fired a warning of their own, with Martyn Woolford close to finding the

corner. It took the intervention of the referee to break the deadlock,

Simeon Jackson judged to have handled the ball, allowing Charlie

Austin to do the honours. 12 minutes remained, Millwall had to dig eight,

and but for the bar, Sean Williams would have had them level.

By stoppage time, Route one was the only option, and when the ball

dropped kindly for Scott Malone, Rangers defenders just stood and

watched. We will know in one week's time how important that the

equaliser could be. It is just so difficult to get results at this

time of year. Millwall, scrapping for their lives, played very well.

We went one up and I thought we would be OK, but we gave away a

terrible goal in the last minute. It hurts to go behind in that fashion.

It is ridiculously harsh. The handball has got to be deliberate.

And there was no way that that was deliberate. But he has given it. We

showed tremendous character to come back. Despite having the joint worst

defence, that late equaliser for Millwall was a refreshing change for

their fans to see post and it could be a massive point at the end of the

season. They showed in that game what we have seen in the previous

seven, was of character, and they just kept believing. And that goal

could be the difference. The point also makes a QPR difference. The

second leg of their play-off would be at Loftus Road. They are still

struggling to get some momentum. It has been a war. We have not seen the

free-flowing football be expected from them this season. But they have

got Charlie Austin coming back, making a difference. If they could

get all of those components working together in the same direction then

they will be a tough proposition to play against.

Our final look at The Championship starts at the Riverside where

Barnsley's fate could be sealed. A win over Middlesbrough would take

their battle into a final day. Lose and their eight year stay in The

Championship will be over. 17 years since leading Barnsley to the

Premier League, Danny Wilson's rescue machine was boosted by Jean

Yves Mvoto. The Frenchman went from hero to zero within 60 seconds when

he and exploited we passed the ball to Lee Tomlin, who crashed a shot

straight past Luke Steele. It was harsh on the Barnsley goalkeeper

whose heroics had kept his team firmly in the contest. A point

simply would not be enough for Barnsley in their search for a

winner, Middlesbrough hit them on the counter, with Danny Graham

pouncing to land the killer blow. Barnsley's fate was sealed, but they

still had further punishment to come. Albert Adomah opened the door

for his second. Middlesbrough signing off with a win in their

final home game, while The Championship waves goodbye to

Barnsley, who is eight years in the second tier is over with some of

rebuilding lying ahead. We are disappointed. It hurts, but we have

got to move on and accept what we have to do next season. Could

Birmingham be joining Barnsley in League One? The Blues dropped into

the bottom three for the first time this season after the defeat to

Leeds United. Matt Smith opened the score for United just before 60

minutes. Two minutes later, Birmingham were further behind, with

a collective loss of focus around Danny Pugh, who hammered in goal

number two. The Blues can still save themselves, with a game in hand, but

that match is against Wigan, at home, where Birmingham just cannot

win. All can this sealed the defeat was an own goal. They have not won

at St Andrew's since October. The Blues pulled one back through

Federico Macheda, but unless they win on Tuesday, they will be staring

down the barrel of their first relegation from -- to the 30th, for

20 years. That negative feeling, it starts to come around again. And it

was just literally an awful day for us, but we have got six points to

play for, we have got to get all six, to give ourselves a chance and

go from there. We have one three out of cracked against teams that are

fighting for their lives, and it is never going to be easy. The fans

were right up the game, so were the players. Brighton's Friday night

victory effectively killed off Bournemouth's play-off bid, but the

header from Yann Kermogant crowned a lively first-half display which

suggested Eddie Howe's side would keep believing until results

elsewhere cut them off. After Eunan O'Kane was blocked out, Lewis

Grabban made it two. Reality began to bite for Nottingham Forest, who

host Brighton next week, and started the day with outside prospects of

their own. Dorus de Vries prevented Yann Kermogant from putting

Bournemouth in complete command. There were still a flicker of hope

for Nottingham Forest. Greg Harlow pulled a goal back. -- Halford. Then

the player of the season for the Cherries stepped forward, Lewis

Grabban gobbling up his 22nd of the campaign from the spot. Bournemouth

on course for their first win in four games, that late minislump

costing them a chance of promotion, at the south coast side seem to have

a good reason to look forward to next season. Yann Kermogant

completing a Boccia Mac goal rout. It looks ominous for the next

opponents, Millwall. We beat them convincingly in the end. It was very

pleasing. We leave the fans in good spirits with a good feeling around

the club. That is the best team that I have played since I have been in

charge. On the day, they were too good for us. Stuart Grey hope to

give Sheffield Wednesday fans the perfect sendoff in their final home

game of the season. He wanted his side to kick the habit of giving

goals away. Eight minutes in, defensive frailties surfaced once

more, with Jermaine Beckford sliding the ball across four Neil Danns to

score his sixth of the campaign. More bad defending saw them

increasingly, than on their hit pass pounced on by Chung Yong Lee, as

Bolton closed in on the win that would stretch their unbeaten run on

their travels to eight matches. Liam Trotter set his sights, and he was

bang on target. His fourth of the campaign, a definite goal of the

season contender, as was the strike that got Wednesday on the

scoresheet, Mattock cutting the deficit, but Bolton saw it through

to maintain their 100% record in Yorkshire this season. We started

very well. The tackling was sensational at times. We deserve to

be 3-0 up. This is one way to upstage the Football League

champions. Adam Clayton dig that famous beard blue and white in a job

-- in aid of a local charity, the Town Foundation. Leicester, however,

were not in a charitable mood. Nigel Pearson made six changes to the team

that beat Bolton during the week, two of them combining for the

opener, with Lloyd Dyer team up Gary Taylor-Fletcher for a spectacular

third goal of the season. With the relegation fears behind

Huddersfield, the Terriers contributed to an open game, and it

took a goal-line clearance from Adam Moore to deny -- from Liam Gill, to

deny Adam Hamill. Nigel Pearson has set his side the target of breaking

the 100 - point barrier for the first time in the club's history.

Alex Smithies did his best to prevent them reaching 99. The foxes

made sure of maximum points with 15 minutes to go. Clayton could not

quite get his beard onto this Wes Morgan effort, and next week, they

will be celebrating with the Football League Trophy. I am pleased

with how the players applied themselves. It can be difficult at

this stage of the season to continue to play so well. I made a number of

changes today. That showed that we have got a strong squad. Five of the

bottom six in The Championship lost, and relegation for Barnsley and

general confirmed. It is local incidents that they are amongst two

of the lowest scorers in the league. -- it is no coincidence.

Also two of the lowest budgets. You get sides in this division against

teams with much bigger budgets. There is a conscious decision at the

start of the season, are we going to give the manager more money than we

should to stay in this division? That might mean losing two or 3

million, or do we stay within the financial capability of the football

club and try to run it openly, and if we do, it is probably going to be

a bit of a struggle. It is a reflection on two well-run club is

not getting the points. No home wins at St Andrew's for six months now. A

bit of leeway should be given to Lee Clark, do you agree? When you have

got the owner and chairman in jail, it is a rudderless ship. They have

used the loan system a lot. I heard Paul Robinson talking about it. It

did not quite work. Some people use it well, others do not use it quite

so well. Lee Clark is the manager. They have got players who are

capable of winning games. It has been too much of a bad run for him

not to take some of the blame. There will be others as well, who are

capable. -- culpable. It is a horrendous time for their fans. Five

teams looking to avoid one Relegation Place. Local incidents

that many of those teams at the bottom have got limited or low

attendances for the division. When you come to the smaller of the

clubs, absolutely. Money does talk up to a point. How worried are you

if you are very right now? You will look around the dressing room and

then, yes or no. I was in a dressing room with the same situation and

thoughts, we can get out of it. We went very close. I have been in

other dressing rooms and thought, I am not sure. It is in their hands

because they have the game in hand. In their current form, you cannot

see it. Wigan have everything to play for and Bolton are in the form

of their lives. Let's round of the championship are looking at the top

half. Black burn out of the play-off race at Derby the team with

momentum. Five wins in five and top scorers in the division? They are

the team nobody will want to play. Steve McClaren wanted to say, we are

in good nick. But he had to keep a bit of a lid on it. He said we have

pace and power and they will be a force to be reckoned with. Let's see

how League 1 played out as Wolverhampton Wanderers faced a

Coventry side looking for points to guarantee their safety.

The Wolves title winning season has seen them rewrite club records. But

after the recent euphoria this was a more prosaic afternoon. Coventry

required a draw to be certain of more League 1 football next season.

With Brentford 's planning for life in the championship, this was a big

again put Colchester. Three minutes later, another set piece allowed

Crystal Palace loanee, Alex Wynter to bury his first career goal.

Brentford were conforming to the gone on their holidays stereotype.

Freddie Sears scored the third goal of the frenetic spell. Brentford

manager, Mark Waugh button has not had to give too many half-time

tellings of sins taking over. No would the manner of Colchester's

fourth goal. Freddie Sears nipped in to make the game safe. Brentford did

have a final chance to make the margin of defeat more respectable.

Alan Judge was caught. But former Chelsea youngster, Sam Walker the

night him as Colchester ensured the goals. The players wanted it. Great

performance. It was below our normal standard. We have another game to go

and we want to win it next week. So do the players. Another game for

Rotherham to try to pick up momentum of the play-offs. At the MK dons

called them cold. The dons, who had a player stretchered off before

half-time were reduced to ten men in the second half. Brendan Galloway

curtailing this route to goal. Already booked, he was soon heading

back to the dressing room. Steve Evans' side looked out of sorts and

despite being a man lights, the visitors took full advantage. McLeod

clipped the ball past the goalkeeper. The Millers were staring

at their first home defeat in 11 mass edge. Michael O'Connor tucked

away his second of the season. And from this stoppage time throw, Ravel

moved into double figures in the campaign.

Preston have garnered more points from many other teams promoted

automatically from league last season. Their form has been

relentless and Stuart Bevan set up John Walsh for the opener. Peter

Taylor's arrival in October has made a positive difference to Kent's only

league team. Cody map Donald scored the equaliser, his 17th goal of the

season. Paul Gallagher has enjoyed a successful loan spell from

Leicester. He put Preston back in front. Simon Grayson's team were in

the process of extending their unbeaten run to 12 matches. Neil

killed Kenny put Preston 3-1 ahead. Tranmere arrived in East London

knowing defeat could send them back into the relegation zone and went in

kind when Kevin has been posted his 16th goal of the season. Although

orients can't improve on a play-off race, they weren't about to ease

off. The goals have run out for the Wirral side just that the wrong time

and a striker who started his career at Prenton Park, then embarrass the

goalkeeper to ensure Tranmere must be to Bradford next week and hope

other results fall into place. It was poor from us. We are not in this

position because of today's lack of concentration and defending, it has

been consistent from day one. The last roll of the dice for

Shrewsbury. Only a win would keep their survival hopes alive and even

then there were no guarantees. They did have a reward for a bright

start. But their hopes of pulling off an unlikely escape evaporated.

Peter Boro came storming back. Washington drew them level. Darren

Ferguson's men found their rhythm. Washington scored a second. Despite

that hefty collision, he was able to continue and chase down a hat-trick.

It almost arrived soon after. The woodwork denied Washington a first

heart trouble. Posh win control after they jumped on the rebound. On

the stroke of half-time, Shrewsbury were back in contention from

Bradshaw. But the odds were still stacked against them. Washington

scored again. The terrific save. It did nothing to prevent Shrewsbury

heading out of League 1. This late strike confirmed their place in the

top six. Shrewsbury now need to rebuild.

Everyone has got to look at themselves if they think in that

dressing room they are not responsible, they are very much

mistaken. But this club has an opportunity now and we have got to

move forward very quickly. We have got to start building for the future

and we cannot let things like that happen again. We made it more

uncomfortable than we needed to. A sloppy start drummers and a bright

start from Shrewsbury. But then we were dominant. We were lacking that

bit. Their dreams of a cup and promotion double are still clearly a

possibility, but it means Shrewsbury will be plainly to foot all next

season. It was always going to be a tough job particularly for someone

as inexperienced as Michael Jackson? Yes, but at that stage of the season

and when you have been through this before, I don't know whether it

would have been better to leave the manager imposition. Colchester got

the win they needed against Brentford. I got a dramatic final

season when at Carlisle to secure safety. What about that, 4-1 winners

against Brentford on Saturday? We have mentioned other teams who have

set out to achieve what they wanted to do. Brentford have taken their

foot off the gas. Taking nothing away from Colchester. Tranmere's

results helped Colchester but they have slipped into the relegation

zone. Are these signs of nerves at this stage? I think so. Sometimes

you try and do a bit too much and some things in your game appear that

had not been there. But it is the pressure you are playing under. It

was never going to be an easy game on paper. Staying with League 1 and

after two wins in three, Notts County have moved close to safety.

The Robins were in with a mathematical chance of making the

play-offs. A day when Notts County held their

nerve when Swindon lost their discipline. Lots County enjoyed a

resurgence started. That's the way it stayed. Maybe frustrated by that

and off the ball incident in stoppage time led to a red card. And

in the pushing and shoving that followed, as second yellow for

Nathan Thompson. The keeper ventured forward in desperation and then must

have felt this may as Notts County cleared the set piece, broke at

considerable speed and Callum Mcgregor scored a counter attacking

goal. I have been around the game as a player for too long to realise

strange things do happen on the final day. I want us to go there and

perform. I want us to perform on the last day of the season and end the

season in the right way. Two sides will end the season in a

positive frame of mind met at a soggy Vale Park. The home side have

consolidated successfully after promotion. Williamson almost gave

them the perfect start. An unwitting assist from Michael Doyle led to a

Port Vale goal which was finished by Louis Dodds. But Sheffield United

have spirit to spare and turned the game around later. First John

Brayford picked out Jamie Murphy. And in the final minute of normal

time, there was almost a carbon copy, this time involving Ryan Flynn

and Chris Porter. The blades will be regretting their revival under Nigel

Clough did not start sooner. A home defeat to Bristol City and Monday

confirmed their relegation. The visitors had come into the game

in poor form but after this equaliser, they took the lead four

minutes later. Craig Westcarr tapped home his 16th of the season in all,

petitions. The man who scored Blake goals in the last two home games

decided the match eight minutes from time. Luke Freeman taking advantage

of defensive indecision. Stevenage have stopped the rot.

City's threat was sporadic. Elliott released Paterson, but they couldn't

get a goal. Crewe created a great chance to win a game of few

opportunities in the last five minutes. It was spurned by Tootle.

It may Bradford City remembered the 56 people who died in the Valley

Parade fire 29 years ago. All the goals were in the second-half.

McLean gave Bradford the lead. Crawley will play nine matches in

April, any gifts like the one presented to Proctor are gratefully

received. Bradford ensured they left with nothing. Thompson glanced in

his first goal since September. Carlisle came into this crucial

match three points from safety. When they clipped the bar they looked

capable of getting the result they needed. An individual goal from

James Dayton was the decisive moment of the game. The former Palace

youngster showing composure and class. This header went over the

bar. Unless Carlisle win at Crawley on Tuesday, it could be all over for

them. The lads gave their absolute all. I said last week that we lacked

leaders. We lacked probably a little bit of quality, which we have known

all season. There was a fear factor amongst the players. You can get

that with inexperience and youth. I wasn't gutted. Carlisle may have the

game in hand. It's looking grim for them, isn't it? Unfortunately for

them the two games are away from home. They have won three away from

home all season. It will be tough. What an amazing revival at Meadow

Lane, six wins out of eight for Shaun Derry. Terrific win against

Swindon. The last thing Notts County fan, Sean Derry is, he will want to

his name is relegation. He is trying to get them out of it? He is. He

never stopped believing. Even when he was being questioned we thought,

blimey he has a tough job on there. He kept believing. Won five at home.

Down-and-out in November. Won five at home on the bounce. It turned

their season around. They have won as many games at home as Preston are

third. That gives you an idea of how strong they are at home under him. A

as far as the relegation battle is concerned. Four teams looking to

avoid the two remaining places, isn't it? Colchester with the goal

difference as such can't be caught now. Notts County, Oldham, Crewe and

Tranmere both at home. Tranmere in the situation that they are in, it's

out of their hands. Going into the last game of the season you one

thing you want is to be able to have the destiny of your own future

within your grasp. That is what the other two sides they have got. These

are the fixtures remaining against the sides batting against the drop.

We mentioned Carlisle. We have to put into the mix that Madine,

talisman, he has done well so far, due to a certain stipulations he

won't be available for the two remaining away games? Yes. He has to

be back for something around 7.00pm no way he will be back from either

at that time. The other thing you that stands out, it's Crewe at home

against Preston. What Preston side will turn up? Will he rest a few

before the play-offs or have a go. That is what you have to look at.

Preston are one of the four teams involved in the end of season League

One play-offs of course. Peterborough now secure in there

after a good win on Saturday. The talking of Grayson's side they have

to overcome the record in the play-offs. Seven defeats while they

have been in the end of season jamboree, as it is called. He turned

had youedels field around, albeit on penalties. Going into that game

their record wasn't great. They will look for him to work the oracle

again at Preston. Time for League Two now, which could see the start

of three promotion parties in full swing. But in order for them to get

the champagne flowing, they needed potential gate-crashers Fleetwood to

slip up at home to Southend. When Schumacher put Fleetwood in front

against Southend they would have been dreaming of automatic

promotion. The lead didn't last long. Southend, in the play-offs,

found the equaliser. Corr with his fourth crucial goal in his last five

games. Bentley saved brilliantly from Schumacher after the break.

There was to be no winner. It opened the door for Scunthorpe and

Rochdale, much to the dismay of Graham Alexander. We are

disappointed we didn't win the game today. Like I said, we can't get

down about other people's results we have to look after our own. We are

disappointed not to win today. Scunthorpe slipped up themselves.

Wood win had gone three-and-a-half years without scoring before that

thunder bolt -- Woodman. Keohane quaranteed their survival and end

the unbeaten start to his managerial career. Scunthorpe achieved their

promotion aim. They didn't know it until the Fleetwood news came

through, then the celebrations could commence. What a strange day. You

are unbeaten record has gone gone. You got promoted? Crazy day. Awful

today. That was our worse performance in the 29. Credit must

go to Exeter. They are fighting for their Football League lives. It

showed. Promotion, we have to look at that, 28 games helped to achieve

that. Thank you very much to Phil Brown and his boys they did us a

favour today. The bigger picture is we are promoted. Delighted for the

travelling fans and everybody associated with the football club.

Every day the lads turn in and want to better themselves as individuals

and as a group. They have done that. It's been all about the squad. The

players have come in and out of the team. I made tough decisions. They

backed me all the way. The lads who are not in the team worked hard to

get back in the team. That is the key, it's about the group.

Fleetwood's draw was good news for Rochdale. Promotion was quaranteed

if they could better Town's result. He this were determined to do their

bit. A quick-fire start saw Henderson passing to Vincenti for

the opener. Victory was all about secured with less than a quarter of

an hour played. Henderson claimed the second and killer goal. Keith

Hill is the first Rochdale manager to win promotion twice as Da will e

return to League One after a two year absence. Capital One question

remains, can they go up as champions?

There was nearly a major shock, York City came within conceding a goal to

this Minshull's header. Coulson was denied by the crossbar. With 13

clean sheets in 15 games taken as read, the same player used a

set-piece to settle the match and secure a play-off place with a

seventh 1-0 win in 11 matches. The players have been phenomenonal. For

that they got their just rewards. Great three points and earning a

place, rightly so in the play-offs. After just four points from their

first 12 games, Accrington looked certain to slip out of the Football

League. There has been a revival from their players. Odejayi put them

on their way. James Gray helped to make that unwith. He got the second,

after this burst through some flimsy tackling. Oxford were heading for

their sixth defeat in seven games. Despite this from Ryan Williams,

their play-off hopes were snuffed out. When I walked through the door

I said to the boys they were the reason I took the job. I thanked

them there for from the bottom of my heart for their efforts this season

to get us back and make sure the club sustained league status for

another year. I will not accept what I've seen today. It's not right for

this football club. We need to change the culture here at the club.

At the moment, we have a losing one. That will change. I can make sure of

that it will be a busy summer. There will definitely be change. 100 or so

Hartlepool fans showed up in Plymouth in Thunderbird offices.

After Banton put the home side in front, they needed someone to

kick-start a rescue act. Lady pee Nepali and Penelope was sidelined

but Barmby was the inspiration they needed. Liftoff was very nearly

complete when Compton struck the base of the upright. In the end,

Plymouth nearly won the game. Hourihane denied by the post. Not a

classic. Hartlepool's fans made the day. Portsmouth's season is

finishing on a high. There was hope for bury. Hope was desperate to

double his tally in the space of 90 minutes. By half-time the home side

was two goals to the good. Proctor guided home this shot, Pompey fans

wondered while they made the 300 mile trip. 20 cycled all the way

raising money for charity. Hollands effort gave them something to cheer.

Taylor's shot went past the Can bury keeper to put Portsmouth in

touch. Hope made it 4-2 with three minutes left. Pompey had identified

the home side's Achilles heel, their long throws causing chaos. Bradley

pulled a goal back. The away fans cheers had barely died down before

another missile from the sidelines caused outright panic. Fogden made

it 4-4. Nothing for either side to play for. Entertainment that would

be hard to beat. Talk about finding your form at the right time.

Northampton have given themselves every chance of avoiding the drop.

Toney put them ahead with his first senior goal. They were two up inside

12 minutes. Morris had one of this weekend's most extraordinary

efforts. By contrast, Dagenham will end the season with only one win in

12 home games. Norris had their best effort. It's current choice Tony who

had the better day. The teenager wrapped things up inside the first

half. A third win out of five for the Cobblers who go into the final

weekend with confidence. We had to make sure today that we didn't let

anything stand in our way to get the result that we wanted. We have done

that. Torquay arrived in northing hamshire with their fate almost

sealed. Mansfield had half an eye on a beach, Dempster's goal came as no

great surprise nor did Jennings effort to make it 2-0. There was a

nasty challenge on Tonge. As is so often the way, it was the side

reduced that scored next, through James Jennings. Scores elsewhere

were indicating that Torquay were wing the battle, but losing the

wider wall. Coulthirst restored the two goal difference. Proud of my

players today. Really good performance. Good footballing

performance. Disappointed for them and for the fans, who were

magnificent today. Only two wins since Boxing Day had left Morecambe

peering towards the relegation places. Just one minute and 52

seconds brought four months of tension to an end. Redshaw skipped

his way through and made light of the tight angle. Redshaw was at the

centre of things again, almost straightaway. Jamie Devitt was

ignored by the Wimbledon defence to make it 2-0. This was a day when

everything clicked for Morecambe. Brown prevented a third from

Ellison. Wimbledon had a steady season after last year's scramble to

survival. Their manager believes their fans haven't seen enough from

his team. By the tame Moore fouled Fleming, which allowed Amond to get

Morecambe's third, many may have seen enough. No sign -- side in

League Two had scored less away goals than Wycombe mbe. McClure got

the first but this clash was impossible to predict. Mildenhall

was in sparkling form. Saving in the midst of a heavily

was in sparkling form. Saving in the You sensed the next goal could be

decisive. The Pirate fans went crazy when Clarkson got the goal that

could keep his side in league football next season. Really pleased

with the three points. Destiny is in our own hands. There is plenty of

work to do. I can't see why we can't escape again. Wycombe's 21 year stay

in the Football League hanging by a thread. Congratulations to sun

tloerp and Rochdale celebrating promotion. It might be Wilcock's

first defeat in 29 games it won't matter much to him? No. Not after

what they achieved. After the situation he inherited. He will take

that. That was Exeter getting themselves a rare home win after a

disappointing campaign at St James' Park. Rochdale, inching closer to

their ever piece of silverware, interestingly enough? Can they win

it? They have been promoted out of this division. Took a long time to

do it. Like London buses. That is right. A couple of promotions come

along. They will be pleased. As for Wycombe's predicament at the

bottom, their last four games have been against sides around them at

the bottom of the table. That sequence of results has almost put

paid to them. They were one of the less likely teams to get relegated

before those games. They have not picked up the results the others

have. It looks like a precarious position now. They have taken the

place of Northampton in the relegation zone. I got a tweet from

a flabbergasted Northampton fan. Starting with an 18-year-old

upfront, what is going to happen to us? Ivan Toney with two goals in the

second, great finish. Those are the decisions that the manager gets paid

to make and if they work out, then so far, so good. That was a good win

for them. Let's see where that leaves Northampton, they are out of

the relegation zone now. When Chris Wilder went there he was given

assurances that he would be able to bring in players, but no players in,

in January, and he's just about able to keep their heads above water.

These are the fixtures against his former employees. He left them in

pretty decent nick. It has not worked out for Oxford. He's going

back to his old club. And Wycombe against Torquay could be about who

finishes bottom of the division. Just looking at the top half of the

table. Chesterfield could seal promotion on Sunday with a win on

Sunday. And five wins out of seven for Southend, great turnaround under

Phil Brown at Roots Hall. Well that's your lot from us. But don't

forget, MOTD2 rounds up all the weekend's Premier League action,

including the best of Sunday's potential title decider between

Liverpool and Chelsea on Sunday night at 10.25 on BBC One. And Late

Kick Off is back on Monday night with all the latest from the

Football League clubs in your region at 11.25 also on One. My thanks to

Steve. Hope to see you next Saturday for a dramatic final day of the

regular Football League season. Have a great week. Goodnight.

BBC Radio 5 live is where news comes to life.

And next week on 5 live Breakfast, we're travelling across the UK

to explore the stories that matter to you...