Colchester United were lucky to come away from Dean Court with all three points after a match and half against AFC Bournemouth! A early header from Chilvers on 4 minutes gave the visitors a dream start. The fun didn't last long as Cooke levelled 4 minutes later. The winner came from Vernon in the 50th minute despite chances for the Cherries, it was not to be. AFC Bournemouth 16th, Colchester United 2nd.
The second automatic promotion place could go down to the final day of the season between Colchester United and Brentford the likely pair squabbling over the right to go up. Brentford staked their claim with a convoncing 3-1 away win over Swindon Town at the County Ground. The result almost sealing Swindon's fate for next season. Brooker (26) and Gayle (38) gave the Londoners a 2-0 lead at the break. Brown pulled one back for the Wiltshire side in the 70th minute, but the last laugh went to Willock who clinched the win in the 74th minute. Swindon will be relegated to League Two next weekend if they drop points away to their nearest and dearest at Ashton Gate! Swindon Town 23rd, Brentford 3rd.
Huddersfield Town maintained their, now slim, chances of automatic promotion with a 3-1 away win over Walsall at the Bescot Stadium. The result sealed Walsall's fate and with it they will be playing League Two football next season! Graham got the ball rolling in the 24th minute. The lead was extended with 8 minutes to go with an Abbott goal. Then 2 goals in injury time at the end of the game sealed the result as Leary scored a consolation for the home side, with Booth scoring for the visitors. Walsall (r) 24th, Huddersfield Town 4th.
Barnsley can no longer gain automatic promotion, and are still playing for a play-off place! A draw at struggling Blackpool probably did more for Blackpool's cause than Barnsley's! Parker gave the home side the lead in the 20th minute, but that was cancelled out by Howard in the 52nd minute for a share of the points. Blackpool 17th, Barnsley 5th.
Swansea City limped back in to the play-off places with a 1-1 draw away to Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park. Beckett gave the home side the lead from the penalty spot just before the half hour mark, with O'Leary levelling in the 67th minute for the Welsh side. The result just about ends the play-off ambitions for the Lancashire side. Oldham Athletic 9th, Swansea City 6th.
Nottingham Forest had their play-off ambitions dented by a struggling Hartlepool United side at the Victoria Ground. Tyson had given the visitors the lead in the 14th minute, but saw that cancelled out by Porter in the 31st. Two quick strikes from Nelson (58) and Proctor (59) brought the home side back in to the match. An interesting final 24 minutes was set up when Commons reduced the deficit. Hartlepool United 22nd, Nottingham Forest 7th.
Had Bristol City started their revival a little earlier, then they might just have made the play-off places. As things stand, they still could, even though the mathematics are slightly against them! Their latest victory came at the expense of Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park. The 3-0 demolition came courtesy of goals from Brooker (16), McCammon (33) and a Woodman penalty in the final minute. Victory against Swindon Town (h) and Southend United (a) could see the West Country side complete a remarkable turn round! Tranmere Rovers 19th, Bristol City 8th.
Bradford City and Port Vale battled out a typical end of season match at Valley Parade. The home side claimed the only goal of the game in the 43rd minute from Bower. Bradford City 11th, Port Vale 15th.
Yeovil Town did themselves a HUGE favour at Huish against Gillingham in a 7-goal thriller! Black had given the visitors the lead in the 11th minute, but a Jevons penalty cancelled that out 6 minutes later. Cohen then gave Yeovil the lead with a 35th minute strike. Terry and Davies further extended the home sides lead in the 51st and 55th minutes before Gillingham hit back. Flynn got one back in the 76th minute, with Crofts pulling another back in the 87th minute. The Gills are safe, but Yeovil still have to travel to Hudersfield Town, and then entertain Colchester United to be sure of their League One status for a second term. Yeovil Town 18th, Gillingham 12th.
Who else is hoping that the great escape is NOT about to happen for a second season? That could be the case with Franchise FC as they beat Chesterfield 2-1 at Saltergate. Platt gave the visitors the lead in the 12th minute. Larkin equalised in the 49th, but the winner, from Edds, was saved until the 85th minute of the game! Chesterfield 13th, Franchise FC 21st.
Rotherham United's League One future still hangs in the balance as they drew 1-1 with Scunthorpe United at Millmoor. Keogh gave the visitors the lead in the 40th minute with Hoskins rescueing a point for the home side in the 82nd minute! Rotherham United 20th, Scuthorpe United 14th.