A thrilling campaign from the Football League gave us a fantastic final day to savour for the ages. 12 of the 72 still have the ability to progress one step higher, as they prepare to lock horns for the final time.
The Championship:Semi Final 1: Brentford vs Middlesbrough(1-5)
First Leg: Friday 8th May at Griffin Park, 19:45
Second Leg: Friday 15th May at the Riverside, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports 1
Mark Warburton's reign at Brentford has been extended by at least 2 more matches, as his side comfortably overcame a down & out Wigan side on Saturday. Aitor Karanka's side were held by Brighton on the final day, perhaps already feeling the pain after Bournemouth all but secured to their promotion to the Premier League 6 days prior & with Norwich winning, 'Boro slipped to 4th in the table. However is it 'Boro who carry the psychological advantage into the games, boasting the double over the Bees this season including a resounding 4-0 victory at the Riverside back in September.
Semi Final 2: Ipswich Town vs Norwich City(2-4)
First Leg: Saturday 9th May at Portman Road, 12:15
Second Leg: Saturday 16th May at Carrow Road, 12:15
Live on Sky Sports 1
Despite a final day defeat away to Blackburn, Mick McCarthy's squad squeezed into the playoffs at the expense of Wolves on goal difference, and Derby who were arguably in the strongest position before kick off before they slumped to a 3-0 defeat to Reading. The Canaries were hotly tipped for automatic promotion, but a defeat to 'Boro & draw at Rotherham in the final few weeks proved critical despite the fantastic revival performed by Alex Neil. Similar to the first semi final, the visitors have also performed the double over their rivals this season.
League One:Semi Final 1: Sheffield United vs Swindon Town(6-7)
First Leg: Thursday 7th May at Bramall Lane, 19:45 (SS2)
Second Leg: Monday 11th May at the County Ground, 19:45 (TBA)
A rather routine route into the playoffs for both sides, as they already had confirmation of the exclusive place with games to spare. Swindon played out a 2-2 draw with now relegated Leyton Orient, who were expected to launch a promotion charge of their own this season. The Blades also drew their final game against fellow promotion hopefuls Chesterfield, who also confirmed their place with a game to spare. Both sides go in on an even footing, both beating each other in their respective home matches with Swindon hitting five past Sheffield Utd in September in a 5-2 victory.
Semi Final 2: Chesterfield FC vs Preston North End(0-4)
First Leg: Thursday 7th May at the Proact Stadium, 19:45 (SS5)
Second Leg: Sunday 10th May at Deepdale, 12:15 (SS3)
Chesterfield confirmed their place in the playoff with games to spare, however it wasn't so routine for Preston North End. Simon Grayson's side were in pole position for the automatic places, leading MK Dons by 1 point on the last day and a win at relegation threatened Colchester would've confirmed their return to the Championship. The 82nd minute strike turned out to save save Colchester's League One status, inadvertently forcing Preston into the playoffs which they have, statistically, the worst record in out of the entire 72.
League Two:Semi Final 1: Plymouth Argyle vs Wycombe Wanderers(2-6)
First Leg: Saturday 9th May at Home Park, 19:45 (SS1)
Second Leg: Thursday 14th May at Adams Park, 19:45 (TBA)
Plymouth Argyle spent the majority of their season in or around the play off spots, so it was no surprise to see them come home in 6th, collecting 2 wins from their last 2 to see off Luton town, who at one point seemed certain to go up automatically before a torrid run of form saw them slide out of the promotion picture. Wycombe suffered heartbreak, as they ended the season in 4th, just a point off the last automatic point occupied by Bury. A defeat in their penultimate game to Morecambe costing them confirmed League One football.
Semi Final 2: Stevenage vs Southend United(2-5)
First Leg: Sunday 10th May at Broadhall Way, 18:35 (SS1)
Second Leg: Thursday 14th May at Roots Hall. 19:45 (TBA)
Stevenage were always expected to attempt to bounce back from relegation from League One last season, and the Boro enjoyed a solid season to consolidate their place in the play offs in the penultimate round of fixtures. Southend also had the opportunity to go up automatically, as they headed into the final match holding a 2 point buffer over Bury, however it was Morecambe yet again that tripped up another automatic hopeful, as Southend slumped to a 3-1 defeat on the final day.