It's that time of the season when end-of-season run-ins are being expertly scanned and potential points returns are being calculated by fans up and down the country as the 2021-22 season enters its final furlong.
We will now take this opportunity to assess the promotion and play-offs prospects for Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay United from League One, League Two and the Vanarama National League respectively.
Plymouth Argyle (Sixth in League One):
In what is arguably the strongest League One campaign in years, Plymouth Argyle currently occupy the division's fourth and final play-off spot (Sixth place) with 65 points. In recent seasons at least 74 points is usually enough to secure a play-off spot in League One, but the Pilgrims will probably need somewhere in the region of 78 to seal a place in the top six.
Argyle's remaining ten fixtures sees them host Portsmouth (10th), Oxford United (4th), Sunderland (5th) and Milton Keynes Dons (3rd) and travel to Ipswich Town (9th), Wycombe Wanderers (8th) and Wigan Athletic (2nd) - fixtures that will all go a long way to determining their destiny.
Nevertheless, even if the Pilgrims were to miss out on the play-offs they can certainly look back on a successful campaign. They survived the departure of Ryan Lowe to Preston North End and his assistant Steven Schumacher has proved to be more than able replacement. They also gave a good account of themselves in the FA Cup third round against Chelsea - only losing out in extra time.
Exeter City (Fifth in League Two):
While Forest Green Rovers seem set to clinch the title in League Two, the two remaining automatic promotion places for finishing second and third remain up for grabs.
Forest Green lead the division with 68 points, but only four points separate second placed Northampton Town, who have 60 points, and ninth placed Mansfield Town, on 56, who themselves are just three points ahead of tenth placed Port Vale.
Exeter City are currently in fifth place with 58 points, as they look to banish the memory of three play-off final defeats in the space of five years (2017, 2018 and 2020) by achieving automatic promotion.
One of the hallmarks of a promotion winning side from the fourth tier is a strike partnership who can find the back of the net between 30 and 40 times in a campaign. Grecians skipper Matt Jay has found the back of the net 12 times, while his centre forward Sam Nombe has struck nine times, and City boss Matt Taylor will be hoping that the hamstring injury suffered by Nombe in their recent 0-0 with Salford City isn't too severe.
Torquay United (11th in the National League):
After their heartbreaking defeat to Hartlepool United in the National League play-off final at Ashton Gate last season, Torquay United now have a chance of making the play-offs again.
It may seem like a long shot for the Gulls, who are currently eight points off the play-off zone, but if they can secure eight wins and a draw from their final 12 National League fixtures that could be enough to see them seal a top seven finish.
However, it is worth noting that United have only lost once in the calendar year of 2022 - against Solihull Moors in January - and they remain the last side to secure wins over the league's current in-form sides Stockport County and Wrexham.
One of the Gulls' great strengths is that they have goals running throughout their side, with midfielders Armani Little and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans currently leading United's goal scoring charts with ten and seven goals respectively. Next in the list comes centre back Joe Lewis, skipper Asa Hall - a midfielder by trade - and striker Danny Wright with five goals apiece. Wright recently netted a brace against King's Lynn Town, and if he can continue in that vein he can help inspire the Gulls to a strong finish to the campaign.
