THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

This season has been exciting stuff for an onlooker, a whole host of teams have been looking for a place in the top six this season. At one stage the whole top half of the league table were in a position to say they could make the grade.

It has though been more of what could have been for Reading if they had not gone on that horrendous run from Christmas till the beginning of March. No league win in 12 games all but ended hope of automatic promotion which had been in reach before the woeful run of results. A 3:0 win over Watford on Boxing Day had Royals fans dreaming of the big time but they were made to come crashing down to earth in the next game as Preston reversed the score line at Deepdale. The only win over that forgettable spell came away at Swansea in a F.A Cup replay with Nicky Forster scoring a Extra Time winner.

But since finally winning in the league against West Ham United on the 12th March Reading have only lost one game in seven although admittedly that defeat did come away at bottom of the table Rotherham United. Only last weekend Reading showed their credentials coming from behind at top of the table Sunderland to secure a magnificent 2:1 victory. So now with just three games remaining Reading need to keep their cool at the final hurdle. Reading travel to Cardiff City next Saturday and then entertain Wolves at home and then Wigan Athletic on the final day of the season at the JJB Stadium. Nine points from the final three games would secure their Play-Off place but that would be a very had task especially with a trip to Wigan still to come.

Here's who each time has to still play

West Ham United

Stoke City (A)
Brighton & Hove Albion (A)
Sunderland (H)
Watford (A)

Sheffield United

Gillingham (H)
Leicester City (A)
Coventry City (A)
Preston (H)

Millwall (A)
Wigan Athletic (H)
Derby County (A)

On reflection of this Derby who lie fifth at present with a game in hand still have plenty of work still to do. Gillingham may seem a simple three points on paper but Stan Ternant has got side hard to beat. The Rams then face two local derbies and both away from Pride Park before then what could be a massive match against Play-Off hopefuls Preston North End.

Sheffield United will need to win all three of their remaining games to have any realistic chance of securing that sixth place in the league. Manager Neil Warnock was left fuming Friday night after accusing the referee of costing them a valuable three points.

The pressure will be on Alan Pardew at West Ham to deliver, the ex Reading manager has been under pressure all season from supporters and with West Ham having an extra game over Reading Pardew will be looking to close the gap to keep The Hammers in contention. They do have a number of tricky encounters including a trip to the Withdean Stadium to face Brighton. With Brighton fighting to survive the drop that match is likely to be a tight affair. The week after they face top of the table Sunderland at home.

At the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest could be relegated next Saturday if they fail to beat Burnley at home and Cardiff pick up four points from their match on Tuesday night and on Saturday. The last relegation place will be hotly contested between Brighton Cardiff City, Crewe, Gillingham, Coventry City, Watford and even Leicester who lie 16th in the league although The Foxes do have two games in hand over most of the teams around them.  We do know two of the teams that will replace the teams relegated from the Championship. Luton Town won promotion from League One in midweek without kicking a ball after Tranmere Rovers lost at Martin Allen's Brentford and then this weekend Hull City earned a 0:0 draw at home to Reading's local rivals Swindon Town at the KC Stadium to secure back to back promotions. Congratulations to both teams on a fantastic season and in particular Mike Newell who has done a tremendous job at Luton.

So with a just a few weeks remaining of the domestic season its going to be nervy and edgy but lets hope the lads do us proud and earn Reading a play-off place. Make sure to book your tickets for Cardiff City and Wigan away and the last remaining home game of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers. All three games are currently on sale so make sure your there to give the team your support and hopefully roar them on to victory.

Championship Play-Off dates for your diaries

First Leg: 14th or 15th May 2005

Second Leg: 17th or 18th May 2005

Final: Monday 30th May 2005

Actual dates of the semi finals will be confirmed once the Play-Off contenders are known.