By theimps.tk
April 20 2009

There is now an extremely realistic chance that Burton Albion could fail to iwn promotion after leading the Blue Square Premier for most of the season. They go into the final day three points clear, but have a far tougher game than the team who could overtake them. Meanwhile, it also looks bleak for Chester.  

Despite going into the final weekend three points behind Burton Albion, Cambridge United could easily be considered the favourites to go up automatically. Burton have seriously gone downhill since Nigel Clough left the club and should they win promotion, they will be rated as one of the favourites to go down as they have let a seemingly unassailable lead over the rest slip. They looked guaranteed Champions but have let it go.

They travel to Torquay United on the final day, a side who themselves are looking to cement a Playoff place, it is the hardest trip that they realistically have had, whereas Cambridge United have a home game against a side who have battled relegation for years. The one main difference could easily turn out to be goal difference. Cambridge must overturn a goal difference of four in order to win promotion if they pull level on points.

However, an equally intriguing battle has formed behind the two teams fighting for the title though. Histon, Torquay, Kidderminster, Stevenage and Oxford are all fighting for the three remaining Playoff places, separated by just two points. The outsiders are Oxford who not only have less points than the rest, but have played more games. Histon face Weymouth on Tuesday before a trip to Crawley. Torquay have the aforementioned game against Burton after a trip to Barrow.

Kidderminster and Stevenage battle each other on Tuesday night before the Harriers face Kettering on Sunday, Stevenage travelling to Mansfield Town. Oxford United's final game sees them face already relegated Northwich.

Hereford were relegated thanks to another defeat on Saturday, but they will still have a big hand in saying who goes down with them as they still face to face Yeovil and Northampton. Cheltenham still have little hope of avoiding the drop, but much like the battle in the BSP for the Playoffs, the battle to say up has intensified with four teams then separated by just a point, however, the current occupiers of the drop zone have games in hand. Northampton still have four to play and Brighton have three, compared to just two for Carlisle and Crewe.

Northampton do have a tough task though as three of their four games are against teams chasing promotion, those teams being MK Dons, Leeds United and Scunthorpe United. Brighton's games are far from easy, taking on Bristol Rovers, Huddersfield and Stockport.

A few issues could be settled on Saturday in League Two. Chester will be relegated if they lose to Aldershot and even a point might not be enough to give them another week as Bournemouth face Grimsby, the winners of which will be guaranteed safety.

At the other end, Brentford will win promotion on Tuesday night if they beat Dagenham and Redbridge, although a draw will realistically be enough due to a vastly superior goal difference over the rest. However, Dagenham could move into the Playoff places themselves with a victory, again due to decent goal difference. Exeter will win promotion if they win and Bury lose, whereas Wycombe could also win promotion if they win on Tuesday and then pick up a point with Bury not gaining anything at Gillingham.

Rochdale can confirm the Playoffs with a win, but they could do it with a draw if Dagenham lose on Tuesday night. In terms of the Playoffs, only Chesterfield, Dagenham or Morecambe look like threatening to join the fun, although Morecambe's goal different of just two, makes that unlikely.

Have Burton Albion blown it?

Discussion started by theimps.tk (IP Logged), 20/04/2009 01:12

theimps.tk
20/04/2009 01:12

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Aryan_imp
20/04/2009 07:11

I hope Burton make it, but I do feel they will struggle next season, especially under McFarland.

As for the others, hope Stevenage get through via the play-offs as it will be a new ground to visit.


----------------------------

Reply Quote Report

mightyimp1
20/04/2009 10:35

mcfarland is only caretaker manager til end of season

they haven't had their 'blip' which all teams usually have at one stage of the season, when somebody like clough leaves after 10 years of course they'll be a bit of a reaction

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net