League One... what's at stake

Last updated : 03 May 2008 By Iron-Bru.net
League One - promotion

Leeds United's failure to get back the 15 points deducted from them at the start of the season ensured Swansea City were crowned champions. The battle to join them is very tight, with three teams still in contention.

Doncaster Rovers are a point ahead of Nottingham Forest and Carlisle. The two that don't go up automatically will join Southend and Leeds in the play-offs. Rovers will be promoted if they win at Cheltenham, but the Robins are fighting for survival at the bottom of the table so three points will not be straightforward.

If they slip-up, Forest and Carlisle can take advantage. Forest are at home to Yeovil, who have nothing to play for, and will be expected to claim a win. If they do so, then Carlisle cannot go up as their goal difference is inferior - the Cumbrians will only go up if they beat Bournemouth at home and both Forest and Rovers fail to win.

League One - relegation

Port Vale and Luton already know they will be making the drop to League Two in the summer. Crewe, Cheltenham, Bournemouth and Gillingham can all stay up - but only two will.

Cheltenham's destiny is entirely in their hands - if they beat Doncaster then they stay up. Though, as explained above, Rovers will be desperate for the points themselves. Crewe host Oldham, also knowing a win would guarantee safety.

Gillingham and Bournemouth are in deeper trouble - they need to win and hope Crewe or Cheltenham drop points. Both are away from home, with Gillingham at Leeds and Bournemouth at Carlisle - both daunting away trips. Bournemouth are on a six-match winning run, but rarely return from their mammoth trip to Cumbria with many points.


League Two

Okay, this is not as exciting. Milton Keynes Dons, the controversial franchised club, have been crowned champions. Peterborough and Hereford also have trips to Glanford Park to look forward to, after finishing second and third respectively.

Rochdale, Stockport, Darlington and Wycombe will take part in the play-offs. Who faces who will be settled on Saturday, but Rochdale and Stockport will both have home advantage in the second legs as they're guaranteed to finish fourth or fifth.

At the bottom of the table, two long-standing members of the Football League have been cut adrift. Mansfield and Wrexham will both start next season as non-league clubs.