THE WEEKEND PREVIEWS: Second and Third Divisions
It promises to be a dramatic final day of the regular season in the Nationwide Leagues and so many dreams will be either be fulfilled or shattered in just 90 minutes of football tomorrow afternoon.
DIVISION TWO: SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY v QPR
QPR travel north to Yorkshire knowing that three points will be enough to join Plymouth in the First Division. Rangers are currently a point clear of third-placed Bristol City, with superior goal difference, but if City win at home to Blackpool, the Hoops will need to take maximum points at Hillsborough to seal automatic promotion. It has been a disappointing season for the Owls, who are currently languishing in 16th place in the table, just five points above the drop-zone.
SHAILY'S VERDICT: Rangers' fine season has been built largely on the back of their impressive home form rather than their record on the road. That said, Rangers should still have enough quality to end the season in style and with it end their three-year sabbatical in Division Two.
BRISTOL CITY v BLACKPOOL
Although City's destiny is not in their own hands it can be argued, on paper anyway, that Danny Wilson's side face a more straightforward task than that of QPR. The Robins boast an impressive record at Ashton Gate, losing only twice all season. With City not having the best record in the play-offs in recent seasons it will no doubt be a nail-biting afternoon for fans in the red and white half of Bristol. It is difficult to tell what effect Steve McMahon's departure will have on mid-table Blackpool for this match, after the former Liverpool announced his resignation yesterday. Experienced players Simon Grayson and Mike Flynn have been placed in charge.
SHAILY'S VERDICT: City to register a comfortable home win, but the big question is - will it be enough?
SWINDON v HARTLEPOOL
Just a month ago Swindon were still in with an outside chance of automatic promotion, but defeat at home to fellow play-off hopefuls Hartlepool could conceivably see Andy King's side miss out on a play-off spot. Both sides know that a draw will be enough to clinch a place in the top six, but either teams are beaten then Port Vale can leapfrog them by taking maximum points at relegation threatened Rushden. Hartlepool have enjoyed an excellent return to Division Two and Neale Cooper's men have the second-best away record in the league - with ten wins.
SHAILY'S VERDICT: A draw would seem the obvious selection, but I think Swindon will cement their play-off place by taking the points.
DIVISION THREE: CHELTENHAM v HUDDERSFIELD
A win for Huddersfield will see the Terriers join Doncaster and Hull in the Second Division next season. Manager Peter Jackson was devastated after last week's 3-1 defeat at home to Mansfield and it remains to be seen how his young side cope with the pressure at Whaddon Road tomorrow. Almost 19,000 packed into the McAlpine to witness what they hoped would be a promotion party but the large crowd went home disappointed. John Ward has done a great job since his arrival at Cheltenham and has lifted the club from the relegation zone to mid-table safety.
SHAILY'S VERDICT: With Cheltenham having little to play for an away win seems the logical choice but I have a sneaking feeling Cheltenham might spoil the Terriers' afternoon.
SOUTHEND v TORQUAY
With Torquay currently two points behind Huddersfield, Leroy Rosenior's side need to win at Southend and keep their finger's crossed that Cheltenham do them a favour against Huddersfield. In recent years we have become accustomed to the Gulls fighting to avoid the drop on the last day of the season rather than in with a chance of automatic promotion - so Rosenior deserves a large pat on the back for the marvellous job he has done at Plainmoor on such a limited budget. It's been a difficult season for Southend but Steve Tilson has done well to guide the club to safety as well as reaching the LDV Vans final.
SHAILY'S VERDICT: Torquay to keep the pressure on Huddersfield by taking maximum points on the south-coast.
LINCOLN v YEOVIL
Sixth placed Lincoln play host to eight placed Yeovil, but a win for the Glovers will result in the Somerset club finishing the season above the Imps. Home form has been something that has kept Lincoln in the top seven for the second half of the season and the Sincil Bank faithful will be distraught if their heroes are deprived of a play-off place on the last day of the season. Yeovil's promotion challenge has tailed off in the second half of the season but whatever the outcome tomorrow Gary Johnson can be proud of what his players have achieved in their first season in the Football League.
SHAILY'S VERDICT: The Imps are not to be underestimated at home and they can clinch a play-off place - home win.
