This weekend’s action saw mixed outcomes for various teams across the Championship, League One and League Two. TIBS News provides an EFL review.
Championship
Peterborough’s brief stint in the Championship was ended by a 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest. Sam Surridge’s strike just before half-time proved enough to send the Posh down after a disappointing season that cost Darren Ferguson his job as manager a third time at the Weston Homes Stadium. Forest maintained their push for promotion and are now just one point away from securing a play-off place.
Huddersfield secured their play-off spot with a 2-1 over Barnsley which also saw the Tykes relegated to the third tier. First-half goals from Jordan Rhodes and Harry Toffolo were enough to secure the win despite a late Callum Styles consolation. Barnsley have fallen well short of pre-season expectations and will be tipped by many to make a quick return to the Championship.
Sheffield United had Iliman Ndiaye to thank after overcoming a stubborn Cardiff defence to create a three-point buffer over seventh-placed Millwall. Ndiaye’s second-half header proved decisive as the Blades struggled to create chances. Cardiff fall to a disappointing 19th place but know they are guaranteed safety after Peterborough’s relegation.
League One
Fleetwood rescued a vital point at home to Wimbledon as the relegation clash finished 1-1. Luke McCormick had put the visitors ahead and Wimbledon were looking on course for the win before keeper Nik Tsanev gave away a needless free-kick in a moment of madness in the 88th minute. Fleetwood’s Joe Garner made no mistake and fired home to take them out of the relegation zone on goal difference while Wimbledon dangle three points from safety.
Oxford United’s play-off hopes are officially over following their 2-1 defeat at Rotherham. Daniel Barlaser’s own goal gave the visitors a great start before Rarmani Edmonds-Green equalised. Barlaser then scored at the right end to complete the comeback and send his side into second place.
Doncaster kept their faint hopes of survival alive with a 2-0 win over Burton Albion. Joe Dodoo and Josh Martin scored to keep Doncaster within three points of safety. Rovers’ will need to overcome a goal difference swing of 29 in their last game if they do want to stay up so it appears to be just a matter of days until their relegation is confirmed.
League Two
Forest Green will play in League One for the first time in their history next season as a 0-0 draw at Bristol Rovers saw them promoted. In a game that lacked quality in front of goal, it was the visitors that celebrated at the final whistle after an incredible season sees them deservedly go up. Bristol Rovers remain in fifth, just two points outside of the automatic promotion spots and five points above Salford in eighth.
Oldham Athletic were relegated to the National League following a 2-1 loss at home to Salford. Salford’s Matt Smith and Brandon Thomas-Asante scored either side of a Davis Keillor-Dunn penalty to see Oldham fall out of the EFL for the first time in their 116-year history. The game was disrupted late on when home fans stormed the pitch to protest Oldham’s ownership which caused the game to be paused before being resumed behind closed doors after all the fans had left.
Port Vale were shocked by a 2-0 defeat at Walsall which saw them fall out of the automatic promotion spots. Sam Perry’s header looked like it was enough for the win for the Saddler’s before Emmanuel Osadebe delivered the coup de grace in the 93rd minute. Vale sit fourth and just one point outside of the top three with just two games remaining.
By Joshua Stewart
