Fate catches up with Halifax

Last updated : 05 April 2002 By Luke Thornhill

Four years after regaining their league status the Shaymen become the third team to be relegated in the football league this season.

First division Stockport County became the first, setting a new record for the earliest relegation in a season.

Cambridge United will be competing in the basement division next season after finishing bottom of the seecond division/

In the third division only two promotion places remain undecided, with Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town guarenteed at least an automatic promotion slot.

Cheltenham Town are now favourites to claim the third automatic promotion slot, after victories over us and Hullnil over the Easter period.

Mansfield Town, Rushden And Diamonds, Rochdale and United currently lie in the four playoff positions - with Shrewsbury Town, Hartlepool United and Kidderminster Harriers all harbouring ambitions of sneaking into seventh place.

However, with five points to make up from three games, it would take something special for either Kidderminster or 'Pool to get in on the party.

With this in mind Shrewsbury Town are the only real threats to our spot, and victory over the Diamonds on Saturday would virtually guarentee us yet another shot at the end of season playoffs.

Boston United and Dagenham and Redbridge and the two sides vying for the conference title, and promotion to the football league.

Lincolnshire loyalties see Iron-Bru.net favouring a promotion for the Pilgrims, and they enjoy a five point advantage over the Londoners.

Dagenham do have a game in hand however, but the York Street outfit remain favourites for a second succesive promotion.