Yeovil Town will cross swords with Sheffield United in the League One Play-Offs after finishing in a club record 4th place in League Two.
The Glovers will face the Blades who finished in 5th place in the league in the first leg at Bramall Lane this coming Friday before the second leg at Huish Park on the following Bank Holiday Monday.
It will be the second time that Yeovil have been involved in an end of season Play-Off showdown since winning promotion to the Football League in 2003.
The last time, of course, came in the 2006-07 season when the Glovers reached the League One Play-Off final, under the guidance of Russell Slade, when they beat Nottingham Forest 5-4 on aggregate after losing the first leg at Huish Park 2-1.
In the final they faced Blackpool where they were beaten 2-0.
A key figure in that side was captain Terry Skiverton who will once again be involved, this time as Gary Johnson's assistant, a role which he has held since Johnson's return to the Huish Park hot seat in January 2012.
The last time that the Glovers visited the Steel City to face the Blades was in January when they returned to Somerset as 2-0 victors with a brace from Paddy Madden.
Earlier in the season when they faced Sheffield United at Huish Park in September, the Blades won 1-0 courtesy of a second half effort from Neil Collins.
Over the two league meetings, the Glovers came out on top 2-1 on aggregate, which must give them some confidence of repeating their performance of 2007, but Johnson has warned them they will need to better than they did in their final day defeat at relegated Bury.
Sunday, 28 April 2013
SHERIDAN UPBEAT AFTER KEEPING PILGRIMS UP
John Sheridan has promised that Plymouth Argyle will never again be involved in a relegation battle after helping the Pilgrims avoid relegation to the Conference.
Despite losing 1-0 to Rochdale, Argyle retained their status as a League Two as Dagenham & Redbridge and Barnet both lost their respective fixtures, a combination of results that saw the Bees lose their League status for a second time.
"It's great for everyone involved. It's so important for a lot of people – the city of Plymouth, the players, the people who work at the club," said Sheridan.
"If I'm here next season, believe me, this won't happen again. I can promise you that.
"They have been fighting relegation for the last two or three years.
"I think the players have done really well since I have come in, but we are all different as managers and my standards are different to everyone else.
"Believe me, we won't be near the bottom. If I'm here, we will be near the top because I will get the players, or whoever, I need."
Since Sheridan's arrival as replacement for Carl Fletcher in January, at which point the Pilgrims were 23rd in League Two, Argyle have won 28 points from a possible 19 matches, which meant, despite losing their final two fixtures of the season, they managed to preserve their 93-year status as a Football League club.
During his stay at Home Park, the former Republic of Ireland midfielder won the Manager of the Month award for March as the Pilgrims won four of their six league matches over the course of the month.
His record in the transfer market has also been good with the recruitment of loan signings such as Jason Banton, winner of the League Two Player of the Month prize for March and scorer of the winning goal in the Devon derby victory over Exeter, and Joe Bryan from Bristol City as well as the permanent acquisiton of experienced defender Guy Branston.
Owner James Brent has announced he will be speaking to Sheridan about extending his stay at Home Park and should the outcome of those talks prove to be positive, it will be like music to the ears of the 'Green Army'.
Despite losing 1-0 to Rochdale, Argyle retained their status as a League Two as Dagenham & Redbridge and Barnet both lost their respective fixtures, a combination of results that saw the Bees lose their League status for a second time.
"It's great for everyone involved. It's so important for a lot of people – the city of Plymouth, the players, the people who work at the club," said Sheridan.
"If I'm here next season, believe me, this won't happen again. I can promise you that.
"They have been fighting relegation for the last two or three years.
"I think the players have done really well since I have come in, but we are all different as managers and my standards are different to everyone else.
"Believe me, we won't be near the bottom. If I'm here, we will be near the top because I will get the players, or whoever, I need."
Since Sheridan's arrival as replacement for Carl Fletcher in January, at which point the Pilgrims were 23rd in League Two, Argyle have won 28 points from a possible 19 matches, which meant, despite losing their final two fixtures of the season, they managed to preserve their 93-year status as a Football League club.
During his stay at Home Park, the former Republic of Ireland midfielder won the Manager of the Month award for March as the Pilgrims won four of their six league matches over the course of the month.
His record in the transfer market has also been good with the recruitment of loan signings such as Jason Banton, winner of the League Two Player of the Month prize for March and scorer of the winning goal in the Devon derby victory over Exeter, and Joe Bryan from Bristol City as well as the permanent acquisiton of experienced defender Guy Branston.
Owner James Brent has announced he will be speaking to Sheridan about extending his stay at Home Park and should the outcome of those talks prove to be positive, it will be like music to the ears of the 'Green Army'.
Saturday, 27 April 2013
GULLS SAFE FOLLOWING FINAL DAY DRAMA
Throughout Torquay United's recent history, the club have gone into a number of final day matches needing points to secure their league status.
In 1987, Bryn the Police Dog sunk his teeth into Jim McNichol as Torquay drew 2-2 with Crewe Alexandra, 2001 saw the Gulls beat Barnet at Underhill and five years later in 2006 they clinched the point they needed against Boston United to confirm their survival.
Now, in 2013, the Gulls' latest escape act will go down as the day Ryan Jarvis scored at both ends as Torquay shared the points in a six-goal thriller against Bristol Rovers.
After the Pirates took the lead through loanee striker Tom Hitchcock before Michael Poke saved a spot-kick from Lee Brown.
Torquay struck back to equalise through Elliot Benyon before Jarvis headed the back into the back of the net past Poke as Rovers regained their lead.
However, moments later, Jarvis redeemed himself to smash home the Gulls' equaliser and then helped to tee up Benyon for his brace as Torquay steamed ahead for the first time in the match.
Nevertheless, there was to be one final twist, in what was a topsy turvy encounter, as substitute Matt Harrold grabbed a late leveller for the Pirates to make the final scoreline 3-3, but a draw was enough to ensure that Torquay will be playing in League Two next season.
In 1987, Bryn the Police Dog sunk his teeth into Jim McNichol as Torquay drew 2-2 with Crewe Alexandra, 2001 saw the Gulls beat Barnet at Underhill and five years later in 2006 they clinched the point they needed against Boston United to confirm their survival.
Now, in 2013, the Gulls' latest escape act will go down as the day Ryan Jarvis scored at both ends as Torquay shared the points in a six-goal thriller against Bristol Rovers.
After the Pirates took the lead through loanee striker Tom Hitchcock before Michael Poke saved a spot-kick from Lee Brown.
Torquay struck back to equalise through Elliot Benyon before Jarvis headed the back into the back of the net past Poke as Rovers regained their lead.
However, moments later, Jarvis redeemed himself to smash home the Gulls' equaliser and then helped to tee up Benyon for his brace as Torquay steamed ahead for the first time in the match.
Nevertheless, there was to be one final twist, in what was a topsy turvy encounter, as substitute Matt Harrold grabbed a late leveller for the Pirates to make the final scoreline 3-3, but a draw was enough to ensure that Torquay will be playing in League Two next season.
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
ALL POSSIBLE PERMUTATIONS
As well as needing a point from their respective fixtures, Torquay and Plymouth could have their fate decided by the outcome of other matches in League Two, which we will now take a closer look at.
AFC Wimbledon currently occupy 23rd place, the final relegation spot, with 50 points to their name heading into their final game at home to Fleetwood to avoid returning to the Conference after only two years in the Football League.
The Dons overturned a two-goal deficit last week against champions Gillingham and will be feeling confident ahead of a meeting with mid-table Fleetwood who have nothing to play for.
A win for Wimbledon would move them onto 53 points and would virtually seal their survival.
However, if Torquay and Argyle both draw then they would both finish above the Dons regardless of their result.
The Daggers and the Minstermen face each in an encounter similar to the one that Torquay faced in the 2000-01 season against Barnet when they needed a win to stay up whilst the Bees required all three.
Victory for the Daggers, currently on 51 points, would see them beat the drop outright without needing to worry about results elsewhere. York, on the other hand, are tied on 52 points with both Torquay and Argyle and require a single point to stay up.
A draw would see both sides keeping their fingers crossed for the outcome of results elsewhere.
The Minstermen, managed by former Norwich City and Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington, head into the game on the back of back-to-back e wins over Northampton Town and Southend United, whilst Dagenham are looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats against Oxford United and Aldershot Town.
York will also be looking to avoid becoming the first team to be relegated back to the Conference one season after winning promotion.
After their dramatic win over Wycombe Wanderers in their final match at Underhill, Edgar Davids' Barnet head to the Sixfields Stadium in search of another three points that would see the Bees retain their Football League status.
A late Jake Hyde strike saw Barnet see off the Chairboys after goalkeeper Graham Stack had saved a Joel Grant penalty.
They will be facing a Northampton who have already sealed a Play-Off spot after they drew with Port Vale last week, but Cobblers' manager Aidy Boothroyd will probably be looking for some momentum heading into the Play-Offs as Northampton are currently without a win in their last five games.
A win for the Bees will guarantee their safety: anything else than that will see them relying of the outcome of other results.
Footnote: Bottom side Aldershot Town are currently on 48 points and could still mathematically survive should they beat Rotherham United at the New York Stadium, but it is not possible for them to catch either Torquay or Argyle.
AFC Wimbledon versus Fleetwood Town
AFC Wimbledon currently occupy 23rd place, the final relegation spot, with 50 points to their name heading into their final game at home to Fleetwood to avoid returning to the Conference after only two years in the Football League.
The Dons overturned a two-goal deficit last week against champions Gillingham and will be feeling confident ahead of a meeting with mid-table Fleetwood who have nothing to play for.
A win for Wimbledon would move them onto 53 points and would virtually seal their survival.
However, if Torquay and Argyle both draw then they would both finish above the Dons regardless of their result.
Dagenham & Redbridge versus York City
The Daggers and the Minstermen face each in an encounter similar to the one that Torquay faced in the 2000-01 season against Barnet when they needed a win to stay up whilst the Bees required all three.
Victory for the Daggers, currently on 51 points, would see them beat the drop outright without needing to worry about results elsewhere. York, on the other hand, are tied on 52 points with both Torquay and Argyle and require a single point to stay up.
A draw would see both sides keeping their fingers crossed for the outcome of results elsewhere.
The Minstermen, managed by former Norwich City and Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington, head into the game on the back of back-to-back e wins over Northampton Town and Southend United, whilst Dagenham are looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats against Oxford United and Aldershot Town.
York will also be looking to avoid becoming the first team to be relegated back to the Conference one season after winning promotion.
Northampton Town versus Barnet
After their dramatic win over Wycombe Wanderers in their final match at Underhill, Edgar Davids' Barnet head to the Sixfields Stadium in search of another three points that would see the Bees retain their Football League status.
A late Jake Hyde strike saw Barnet see off the Chairboys after goalkeeper Graham Stack had saved a Joel Grant penalty.
They will be facing a Northampton who have already sealed a Play-Off spot after they drew with Port Vale last week, but Cobblers' manager Aidy Boothroyd will probably be looking for some momentum heading into the Play-Offs as Northampton are currently without a win in their last five games.
A win for the Bees will guarantee their safety: anything else than that will see them relying of the outcome of other results.
Footnote: Bottom side Aldershot Town are currently on 48 points and could still mathematically survive should they beat Rotherham United at the New York Stadium, but it is not possible for them to catch either Torquay or Argyle.
FINAL DAY DECIDER # THE GULLS
Once again Torquay United find themselves facing a final day decider to ensure that they remain in the Football League.
In 1987, 2001 & 2006, the Gulls gained a positive result to retain their league status and now interim manager Alan Knill is faced with the same task in 2013 and a point from their meeting with Bristol Rovers will be enough.
Their first final day escape in 1987 was sealed with a 2-2 draw with Crewe Alexandra, which will however be remembered as the game when defender Jim McNichol was bitten by Bryn the Police Dog.
This ensured that additional time was added on which allowed the Gulls to equalise through Paul Dobson, thus successfully avoiding the trap door to the Conference as it was Lincoln City and not Torquay who became the first team to be automatically relegated from the Football League.
Fast forward 14 years later and a last day 3-2 victory over Barnet at Underhill seals the Gulls' league in a 'do or die' relegation match, which sees the Bees relegated at Torquay's expense.
Goals from Jason Rees and Kevin Hill gave the Gulls a two-goal cushion before Stuart Jones saved a Darren Currie penalty, which awarded after Jimmy Aggrey was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area by referee Richard Beeby.
David Graham then extended Torquay's lead to three going into the half-time interval before an own goal from Ryan Green and a Wayne Purser effort in the second half from Barnet ensured a tense finish to the game as the Gulls held on to secure the win and their Football League status.
Five years later, a point from their final game at home to Boston United proved to be the climax of their 'great escape' under Ian Atkins following consecutive wins over Macclesfield Town, Wrexham, Stockport County and League Two champions-elect Carlisle United.
Back in the present, consecutive wins over Barnet and Morecambe have eased the fear of relegation at Plainmoor and a minimum of a draw with the Pirates will ensure that the Gulls finish the job.
However, Torquay will be without the services of leading scorer Rene Howe who received his 15th yellow card of the season last Saturday at the Globe Arena against Morecambe.
In 1987, 2001 & 2006, the Gulls gained a positive result to retain their league status and now interim manager Alan Knill is faced with the same task in 2013 and a point from their meeting with Bristol Rovers will be enough.
Their first final day escape in 1987 was sealed with a 2-2 draw with Crewe Alexandra, which will however be remembered as the game when defender Jim McNichol was bitten by Bryn the Police Dog.
This ensured that additional time was added on which allowed the Gulls to equalise through Paul Dobson, thus successfully avoiding the trap door to the Conference as it was Lincoln City and not Torquay who became the first team to be automatically relegated from the Football League.
Fast forward 14 years later and a last day 3-2 victory over Barnet at Underhill seals the Gulls' league in a 'do or die' relegation match, which sees the Bees relegated at Torquay's expense.
Goals from Jason Rees and Kevin Hill gave the Gulls a two-goal cushion before Stuart Jones saved a Darren Currie penalty, which awarded after Jimmy Aggrey was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area by referee Richard Beeby.
David Graham then extended Torquay's lead to three going into the half-time interval before an own goal from Ryan Green and a Wayne Purser effort in the second half from Barnet ensured a tense finish to the game as the Gulls held on to secure the win and their Football League status.
Five years later, a point from their final game at home to Boston United proved to be the climax of their 'great escape' under Ian Atkins following consecutive wins over Macclesfield Town, Wrexham, Stockport County and League Two champions-elect Carlisle United.
Back in the present, consecutive wins over Barnet and Morecambe have eased the fear of relegation at Plainmoor and a minimum of a draw with the Pirates will ensure that the Gulls finish the job.
However, Torquay will be without the services of leading scorer Rene Howe who received his 15th yellow card of the season last Saturday at the Globe Arena against Morecambe.
FINAL DAY DECIDER # THE PILGRIMS
One point from their final league fixture away to Rochdale will see Plymouth Argyle retain their 93 -year status as a Football League club.
Following their 1-0 defeat against promotion chasing Rotherham last Saturday, the Pilgrims need a point from their final game to Dale to ensure they will be playing League Two football in the 2013-14 season.
After the Millers' game, manager John Sheridan has called on every Pilgrims' fan who is able to attend to turn up in East Lancashire and support the team.
The 'Green Army' have responded positively to Sheridan's call as 1,500 tickets have been sent to Home Park by Rochdale and fans will also be able to 'pay on the day'.
Spotland holds happy memories for many of the travelling Pilgrims' support as the corresponding fixture in the 2001-02 saw Argyle win 3-1 with goals from Marino Keith, Graham Coughlan and Lee Hodges and secured them promotion from Division Three.
The Pilgrims later went on to lift the 3rd Division title with a record points haul of 102.
Managing the opposition on Saturday will be former Argyle defender Keith Hill who spent four years at Home Park between 1992 and 1996 who recently penned a three-year deal with Dale.
Following their 1-0 defeat against promotion chasing Rotherham last Saturday, the Pilgrims need a point from their final game to Dale to ensure they will be playing League Two football in the 2013-14 season.
After the Millers' game, manager John Sheridan has called on every Pilgrims' fan who is able to attend to turn up in East Lancashire and support the team.
The 'Green Army' have responded positively to Sheridan's call as 1,500 tickets have been sent to Home Park by Rochdale and fans will also be able to 'pay on the day'.
Spotland holds happy memories for many of the travelling Pilgrims' support as the corresponding fixture in the 2001-02 saw Argyle win 3-1 with goals from Marino Keith, Graham Coughlan and Lee Hodges and secured them promotion from Division Three.
The Pilgrims later went on to lift the 3rd Division title with a record points haul of 102.
Managing the opposition on Saturday will be former Argyle defender Keith Hill who spent four years at Home Park between 1992 and 1996 who recently penned a three-year deal with Dale.
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
JOHNSON THE YOUNGER DEFEATS JOHNSON THE ELDER
The younger Johnson came out on top of the elder Johnson in League One's father-son managerial duel as Lee Johnson's Oldham Athletic defeated dad Gary's Yeovil Town at Boundary Park.
A header from Matt Smith, who starred for the Latics in their FA Cup battles with Liverpool and Everton this season, proved to be decisive and also condemned Oldham's fellow strugglers Portsmouth and Hartlepool United to relegation to League Two.
Following the result, the Glovers find themselves in 5th place as they remain on course for the end-of-season Play-Offs and their final league position will determine who they face in the semi-finals.
The fixture was the first father versus son managerial meeting since 1971 when Bill Dodgin's Bristol Rovers faced Bill Dodgin junior's Fulham.
A header from Matt Smith, who starred for the Latics in their FA Cup battles with Liverpool and Everton this season, proved to be decisive and also condemned Oldham's fellow strugglers Portsmouth and Hartlepool United to relegation to League Two.
Following the result, the Glovers find themselves in 5th place as they remain on course for the end-of-season Play-Offs and their final league position will determine who they face in the semi-finals.
The fixture was the first father versus son managerial meeting since 1971 when Bill Dodgin's Bristol Rovers faced Bill Dodgin junior's Fulham.
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