After the dramatic end of the League One season, it was the turn of the Championship and League Two to provide fitting finales. TIBS News reviews the action.
Championship
Luton secured their play-off spot on the last day of the season as Harry Cornick gave the Hatters a 1-0 win over Reading. The home side had struggled to find the breakthrough before Reading’s goalkeeper Orjan Nyland rolled the ball just too far ahead of himself, allowing Cornick to steal the ball and slot home into the empty net. The win means Luton will face high-flying Huddersfield as they attempt to return to the top division.
Sheffield United thrashed a Fulham side, that looked like it hadn’t recovered from the promotion parties, 4-0 at Bramall Lane. Morgan Gibbs-White, Iliman Ndiaye, Sander Berge and Enda Stevens all found the scoresheet in a performance that will give the Blades a lot of confidence heading into the play-offs. They are scheduled to face Nottingham Forest as they try and join Fulham in the Premier League next season.
Karlan Grant’s brace helped West Brom round off a disappointing season with a 4-0 thumping of Barnsley. Adam Reach and Matt Clarke also found themselves on the scoresheet as Baggies fans saw a performance that raises hope of a much more successful campaign next time around. Barnsley were relegated long before this fixture and their performance matched the tone of their season as they prepare for League One football.
League Two
Forest Green lifted the League Two title on a dramatic final day after their 2-2 draw at Mansfield. The Stags had taken the lead twice through Matt Longstaff and Jordan Bowery but Ebou Adams and Josh March both scored equalisers, with March’s coming in the 80th minute. Mansfield will face Northampton in their play-off semi-final while Rovers fans will be thanking Port Vale for beating Exeter to give them the title.
Bristol Rovers secured automatic promotion in the most sensational style as they demolished Scunthorpe 7-0. Starting the day in fourth, Rovers needed to match Northampton’s result and win by five goals to get promoted automatically. Aaron Collins and Anthony Evans both scored twice while Connor Taylor and Elliott Anderson also netted on top of an own-goal from Oliver Lobley. Anderson’s 85th-minute strike proved decisive and sparked wild celebrations as Northampton could only muster a 3-1 win at Barrow to give the Pirates a day that will live long in club history.
Jack Payne grabbed two goals as he inspired Swindon to a 3-0 win at Walsall. Harry McKirdy had opened the scoring with his 20th goal of the season before Payne netted his brace, including a great left-footed finish into the top corner. The Robins will be in great spirits as they prepare for their play-off clash with Port Vale as they look to return to League One at the first time of asking.
By Joshua Stewart
