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Thread | HL 2024/25 Charity Shield & Div One Play-off SF - Deadline Sat 3rd May 12.30
by mfb_cufc at 14:37 27 Apr 2025
The draw for the Charity Shield Semi-finals
mfb_cufc (Premier Champ) v noah4x4 (Happy Cup Winner)
blueeagle (Premier Runner-up) v Lewis_1 (Division One Champ)
The Division One Play-off Semi-finals
Moor_Pinot v Tropical_Us
Jorash63 v noah4x4
These are one off games, no replays. The usual tie-breaker rules apply, most 3 pointers, and then more importantly the first to post. Finally, no more than four predictions the same as your opponent, please.
The Fixtures 10 games involving teams with something still to play for. Don't forget it is an early start, with the deadline 12.30.
BRISTOL CITY v PRESTON NORTH END (12.30)
COVENTRY CITY v MIDDLESBROUGH (12.30)
DERBY COUNTY v STOKE CITY (12.30)
PORTSMOUTH v HULL CITY (12.30)
WEST BROMWICH ALBION v LUTON TOWN (12.30)
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN v LEYTON ORIENT
READING v BARNSLEY
ACCRINGTON STANLEY v CHESTERFIELD
CARLISLE UNITED v SALFORD CITY
GRIMSBY TOWN v AFC WIMBLEDON
Good luck everybody.
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Thread | League 2 north south divide
by wessex_exile at 08:04 27 Apr 2025
Regardless of outcomes next Saturday, it’s worth noting that the balance of north and south football clubs next season is already significantly redressed. Definitely leaving are Doncaster, Port Vale, Morecambe, Carlisle and probably Bradford. Definitely joining are Crawley, Bristol Rovers, Cambridge United, Shrewsbury and Barnet. |
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Thread | Happy League 2024/25 The Final Tables
by mfb_cufc at 23:21 26 Apr 2025
Week 38 results
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 3 LEICESTER CITY 0
A comfortable win for Wolves, as they equalled a club record by making it six straight top-flight wins for the first time since 1970. Only oxfcolu and Lewis_1 got this spot-on, and a further 21 had the outcome.
LUTON TOWN 1 COVENTRY CITY 0
Shandon Baptiste's 90th-minute winner secured a dramatic victory for Luton, in a fiery match that saw both teams finish with 10 men. Nobody had this spot-on, but 3 did get the outcome.
CARDIFF CITY 0 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 0
Cardiff will play in the third tier of English football for the first time in 22 years next season after their relegation from the Championship was confirmed with this bore draw. Nobody got this spot-on, though 5 did have the outcome.
HULL CITY 0 DERBY COUNTY 1
Derby moved out of the relegation places and sent Hull into the drop zone in their place with a dramatic and possibly season-defining victory. Only Lewis_1 and BFG had this spot-on, and another 3 got the outcome.
MIDDLESBROUGH 0 NORWICH CITY 0
Jack Wilshere marked his debut in interim charge of Norwich by putting a dent in the Championship promotion hopes of former England teammate Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough after this bore draw. Well done to Moor_Pinot for being the only one to get this spot-on, and nobody had the outcome. 22 predicted a win for Middlesbrough, with a massive 14 going for a 2-1 in what was the weeks most predicted score.
MILLWALL 1 SWANSEA CITY 0
George Saville's close-range finish proved decisive for Millwall, as Swansea's run of five successive wins came to an end, A magnificent 7 had this spot-on, and a further 13 got the outcome.
EXETER CITY 3 HUDDERSFIELD 1
Exeter signed off in style as they came from behind to win their final home League One game of the season, and inflict a fifth successive defeat on Huddersfield. Another game with no 3 pointer, but 6 did have the outcome.
STOCKPORT COUNTY 3 LINCOLN CITY 2
Substitute Isaac Olaofe's goal completed the comeback for Stockport, as they came from two goals down to win. A goal and two assists for ex-U's Jayden Fevrier. Yet another game with no 3 pointer, though 19 did get the outcome.
DONCASTER ROVERS 2 BRADFORD CITY 1
Doncaster won promotion to League One with this victory, ending a three-season stay in the fourth tier. The two goals in added time was good news for the 9 who got this spot-on, and another 3 had the outcome.
SALFORD CITY 4 COLCHESTER UNITED 1
Salford moved into the League Two play-off positions after a dominant victory over rivals Colchester. A final game this week with no 3 pointer, but 6 did get the outcome.
We went into the final week of the season with some issues still to be decided, especially the Premier title, and Division One promotion. Just like the penultimate 10 game week of the season, it turned out to be another one of indifferent results, with five games failing to have a 3 pointer again, and it was left to the wins for Millwall and Doncaster to give us 16 of the total 21 spot-ons. With 3 pointers hard to come by, it was a great performance from Lewis_1 to be the only one to have three, the wins for Wolves, Derby and Millwall, and two outcomes, to make him the weeks top scorer with a fantastic 11 points. Three members did well to get two 3 pointers, with the best coming from BFG, who got the wins for Derby and Millwall, and four outcomes, to give him a brilliant 10 points. Also oxfcolu, who had the wins for Wolves and Doncaster, and Moor_Pinot, who got the Millwall 1-0 and the good Middlesbrough 0-0 prediction. They each also had two outcomes, to give them both an excellent 8 points. Best of those to get one 3 pointer were mfb_cufc, RSCOSWORTH and basher2010, who each had the Doncaster 2-1, and six outcomes, to give them all an excellent 9 points.
In the Premier After going into the final week with a precarious one point lead, mfb_cufc produced an excellent week to take him to the magic 200 points, and give him a sixth Premier title. After holding a 19 point lead at Week 10, blueeagle will probably be disappointed not to have held on, but after getting the Doncaster 2-1 spot-on he equalled the record for most 3 pointers in a season with his 39, and his second place was his best ever finish, and he still has a chance of honours in the Charity Shield. A good second-half to the season for unitedwhites gave him his best ever finish in third. He was also only one short of equalling his own record for 3 pointers, he jointly held after winning Division One in the 2020/2021 season. Another consistent season for thrillseeker, where he was never out of the top five, ended with him matching last seasons fourth place finish. An excellent final week for RSCOSWORTH moved him up a place to fifth. His highest position since Week 12. A decent final week for concordman moved him a place to sixth. A satisfactory seasons high finish for him, after spending most of the season trying to avoid the drop. After spending a number of weeks flirting with relegation, ghughes11 was also fairly comfortable in the end, with a seventh place. After an uncomfortable start to the season, Daniel picked up to be challenging in third after Week 23, before making the fifth place his own for 13 weeks. Just two outcomes in the final week saw him drop three places to finish eighth. After being bottom for the first two weeks, Sector4 recovered to spend a number of weeks in mid-table. Then spent the final eight weeks trying to avoid the drop, until two decent weeks to end the season got over the line in ninth. A decent final week was not enough to stop oxfcolu from being relegated, after spending two seasons in the Premier. It is an instant return to Division One for the other two in the bottom three after their promotion last season. After spending the first 14 weeks of the season in either 2nd or 3rd, it was a surprise that basher2010 fell away so bad to get relegated. As for burnsieespana, he spent most of the season avoiding the drop, but after two brilliant weeks in Week 30 & 31, that took him up to seventh, things looked good. But it proved to be a false dawn.
In Division One As usual this league has been another closely fought one, with the lead changing on numerous occasions throughout the season. The final one to take over at the summit in Week 35 was Lewis_1, and he stayed there to the end, by winning the title in style with his fantastic final week. It is probably fitting he is joined in the Premier by bwildered, as he has spent 18 weeks of the season in that top spot. He has gone one better after reaching the play-offs last season. After being relegated last season, Moor_Pinot has struggled most of this season, until a fantastic final few weeks has seen him rise to finish a season high third, just one point short of the automatics. Another to struggle early doors was Jorash63, but a strong second-half has seen him spend 7 weeks in the other automatic spot. But only three outcomes in the final week means he has to settle for finishing fourth. I made noah4x4 the pre-season favourite, due to his record of winning the Division One title twice in the past, as well as two Premier titles, and at the times he looked like backing my prediction, as he had 12 weeks in the automatics through the seaon. But just like in last seasons relegation, it was a lack of 3 pointers that let him down, and he ended by finishing fifth. For the second season running the final play-off place is occupied by Tropical_Us, after his excellent final week. A brilliant final week for BFG was not quite enough for him to make the play-offs for the second season running, and he finished a point short in seventh. After spending many weeks in the top six, wessex_exile ends the season just like the U's, by falling short in eighth. It looked good for most of the season for durham_exile, until an unfortunate missed week knocked him back, and he never recovered to finish ninth. It was a season of just being on the peripherals of the play-offs for Blue4U2, without ever making them, and he finished tenth. Even though he was fourth after Week 2, gerry_us never scaled those heights again, and he ended matching last seasons eleventh place. A rare poor season for Madeira163, but the wooden spoon goes to Colukev for dropping out.
THE FINAL TABLES (280 out of 280 played)
(Tie-breaker: Most 3 pointers, and then the first to post)
The draw for the Charity Shield Semi-finals
mfb_cufc (Premier Champ) v noah4x4 (Happy Cup Winner)
blueeagle (Premier Runner-up) v Lewis_1 (Division One Champ)
The Division One Play-off Semi-finals
Moor_Pinot v Tropical_Us
Jorash63 v noah4x4
Full details for the above games will be on a separate thread tomorrow (Sunday). |
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Thread | The Final Countdown - Matchday #45
by wessex_exile at 12:06 26 Apr 2025
On to Matchday #45, two games to go and as has been said several times over the last week, never could there be two more ‘must win’ games than Salford away and Barrow at home. Easter Monday was a chastening experience, bereft of so many key players, it was always going to be a struggle against a Doncaster side who hit top form just when it mattered. We can’t complain about the result, even if the third goal was a little harsh, but what about the support – loud and proud before, during and particularly after the game, it was a privilege to be part of it.
Mind you, as disappointing as it was to only get one point over Easter, we were in good company, as four of the top eight did no better. Bradford and Walsall managed two draws, but they’re beyond our reach, and apart from Doncaster, only Salford in 9th place (worryingly now appearing large in our rear view mirror) managed to win a game. With those results, the mini-league has somewhat opened up, with not just Grimsby but Notts County and AFC Wimbledon, both on poor runs of form, within range. This review could go down as far as Crewe and Bromley, but their chances of making the play-offs are so remote for expediency I’m not going to include them.
AFC Wimbledon v Port Vale – One of the two early kick-offs today, and though I write this long before the game, it might not get posted until after this game has kicked off. The Wombles are realistically the only team who could crash the automatic promotion party, but the way they’re playing at the moment, they could still conceivably just as easily drop out of the play-offs. Particularly after losing to a Gbode strike at Gillingham on Easter Monday. Their final away game is at Grimsby, which won’t ease their nerves.
Port Vale will be determined to take advantage of that poor form and consolidate their chance for at least automatic promotion, and despite a poor Easter are still top of the League 2 form table. A win today, and if Walsall don’t beat Accrington Stanley, will guarantee that promotion. However, it will be a tough game, and my money’s on a hard-fought score draw that doesn’t really help either team but may help Matt Macey’s hunt for the League 2 Golden Glove award. Forecast: AFC Wimbledon 1 Port Vale 1
Harrogate Town v Notts County – Not sure of the reasoning for this, but although it is another early kick-off, this one starts at 1pm? On paper you’d think it should be three points for Notts County, with Harrogate hovering (safely) just above the relegation zone. But nothing is guaranteed, Notts County are on a poor run of form, with just one point from their last four games, and Harrogate remarkably have the best current form at home, with six wins and four draws over the last ten games.
This one is going to be a bit of a struggle for Notts County, and Harrogate will want to continue that home form in their last game this season at Wetherby Road. Nerves will play a part too I expect, with Notts County’s faltering promotion challenge leaving them in reach of all four teams below them. Forecast: Harrogate Town 2 Notts County 1
MK Dons v Grimsby Town – Despite my feelings about MK Dons and their dubious right to even exist, my hypocrisy will know no bounds if MK Dons can at least hold Grimsby to a draw. And despite their lowly position, under new manager Paul Warne they’ll be determined to try and end a dismal campaign with a home win, not least for those playing for a potential new contract in the summer.
Having slipped in and out of 7th place several times in recent weeks, including throwing two goal leads away twice in the last three games (interspersed by a 4-0 thrashing from Swindon), Grimsby know that with their poor goal difference anything less than a win will leave them vulnerable to the chasing pack. Their away form is good though, with four wins and three draws in the last eight. I think MK Dons can do it, but my head says another score draw Forecast: MK Dons 2 Grimsby 2
Salford City v Colchester United – A double-header/ proverbial six-pointer. Of the chasing pack, Salford arguably have the slightly better form, after comfortably consigning Morecambe to guaranteed relegation on Easter Monday. That being said, their home form is nothing worse than atrocious, with just three points from the last six home games.
As for the U’s, everything hinges on whether we get any of our missing players back, and particularly Jack Payne. We know Lyle and Owura are definitely out, and Jamie McDonnell sounds dubious, but even a reasonably fit Jack Payne will make such a difference to our fortunes. What I am certain about is whoever makes up the squad for today, they’ll run through walls for the U’s, roared on by another excellent away following. Forecast: Salford 0 Colchester United 2
Chesterfield v Morecambe – and finally the one I’m most worried about. With already relegated Morecambe today, and then away at Accrington Stanley next Saturday, Chesterfield have on paper the easiest run-in. They also have comfortably the best goal difference and goals scored of the chasing pack (only Doncaster have scored more this season).
It actually came as somewhat of a (pleasant) surprise that they didn’t pick up a win over Easter, but coming back from 3-1 down to snatch an injury-time equaliser at home to Bradford City would have felt like a win. Only Morecambe stand in their way today, and whilst I’d like to think The Shrimps can kind of relax now that the inevitable has happened, I can’t see them getting anything from the game. It’s kind of a shame, after 18 years in the Football League, with the strength of the National League these days, I can’t see Morecambe returning any day soon. Forecast: Chesterfield 3 Morecambe 0
Up the U’s!
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Thread | Jamie McDonnell
by McDonnellEnthusiast at 21:25 25 Apr 2025
Hi all,
Forest fan who enjoys following our youngsters, particularly those out on loan.
How has McDonnell been getting on? He's a favourite of mine for his competitive nature. Still unclear where his ceiling is, but absolutely one destined for a pro-career.
Hoping you get promoted so it's a seamless loan back to yourselves next season in the league above... |
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Thread | Salford to be chopped down to size by the mighty Super U's at Moor Lane
by durham_exile at 21:03 25 Apr 2025
As a welcome relief from the excitement of the League Two promotion race I thought that boarders might be interested to see the final fixtures in the National League South this weekend.
The top six sides are all in with a chance of securing the title:
Truro 45 86 +30
Torquay 45 86 +28
Eastbourne 45 85 +24
Worthing 45 85 +16
Boreham Wood 45 83 +36
Dorking 45 83 +33
Fixtures:
Dorking v Chesham
Hemel Hempstead v Torquay
Tonbridge v Boreham Wood
Truro v St Albans
Eastbourne v Weston Super Mare
Enfield v Worthing
Remarkably none of the protagonists play one another which adds to the frisson of excitement in the National League South. I wonder if Pinot will be venturing to the Truro game. Of course, Torquay has skin in the game with Matt Jay helping them in their promotion quest.
Anyway, back to the main event. Colchester travel to the Dirty Old Town of Salford (formerly in Lancashire) and made famous by the Pogues in their ballad of the same name. Karl Robinson has the dangerous Cole Stockton at his disposal along with former U’s favourites in Luke Garbutt and Ossama Ashley.
Easter Bank Holiday Monday at the Eco Power Stadium turned into a horror show after a dreadful journey down the A66, A1(M) and A19 with frequent detours via Satnav which meant that my sons and I were late arriving at the ground and we heard the home supporters cheering after the first two goals went in.
After that we controlled large portions of the game and put Donny Rovers on the back foot only to concede a third goal after Owura Edwards was dismissed for two yellow cards. Our weakness was in the final third where the strikers were ineffectual and frustratingly so. There can be no repeat this Saturday.
The crowd was 8,936 and the faithful numbered 633 (which reminded me of the 1964 fictional wartime film about a squadron that destroys a German heavy water factory flying Mosquitos).
DC lined up:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
McDonnell Bishop
Lisbie Read Edwards
Simpson
Subs:
McDonnell – Tucker 38
Kells – Scully 56
Simpson – Tovide 56
Bishop - Vincent-Young 77
Lisbie – Gordon 77
Now I want to keep this very positive so no moaning about Simpson or Scully (well not much).
DC will not have too many problems in naming a team because we are largely down to the bare bones. Owura Edwards will miss the final two league games after his second sending off this season.
McDonnell is injured too and Taylor but there is a rumour that Jack Payne will be back at the Peninsula Stadium.
26 April Saturday
Salford v Colchester
Wimbledon v PV
Doncaster v Bradford
Harrogate v Notts Co
MK Dons v Grimsby
Tranmere v Crewe
Walsall v Accrington
3 May Saturday
Bradford v Fleetwood
Colchester v Barrow
Carlisle v Salford
Notts Co v Doncaster
PV v Gillingham
Crewe v Walsall
Grimsby v Wimbledon
Table Top 10:
Doncaster 44 78
PV 44 77
Bradford 44 75
Walsall 44 74
Wimbledon 44 70
Notts Co 44 69
Grimsby 44 67
COL U 44 66
Salford 44 65
Chesterfield 44 64
So, I’m going for the following starting XI notwithstanding the injuries and suspensions;
MACEY
EGBO KELLS FLANAGAN IANDOLO
READ BISHOP
THORN PAYNE GORDON
TOVIDE
Subs
Smith, Scully, KVY, Tucker, Lisbie, Aboh, Simpson
Weather will be 15 degrees Celsius at Salford, mostly cloudy, gentle breeze.
Already planning for next season, the U’s are in the frame for prolific striker Daniel Ogunleye who plays for Brentwood Town and has netted 43 goals this season.
We are travelling in the morning to Salford and looking forward to getting back on the winning trail. Prediction 3-1 to the U’s with Samson Tovide amongst the goals. Big shout out to Samson who makes his 100th appearance for the U’s tomorrow.
Safe journey to the travelling faithful.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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Thread | U'sual Champions League 2025 SF 1st leg - Deadline Tuesday 29th April 20.00
by mfb_cufc at 15:09 22 Apr 2025
A recap on how the Quarter-finals finished
Quarter-finals 1st leg results
ARSENAL 3 REAL MADRID 0
BAYERN MUNICH 1 INTER MILAN 2
BARCELONA 4 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 0
PARIS SAINT GERMAIN 3 ASTON VILLA 1
Quarter-finals 2nd leg results
ASTON VILLA 3 PARIS SAINT GERMAIN 2
(Agg 4-5)
BORUSSIA DORTMUND 3 BARCELONA 1
(Agg 3-5)
INTER MILAN 2 BAYERN MUNICH 2
(Agg 4-3)
REAL MADRID 1 ARSENAL 2
(Agg 1-5)
Results don't get much tougher than that to predict, and Daniel was the only one to have a 3 pointer with the PSG 3-1 in the 1st leg.
THE GROUPS (8 out of 8 played)
(Tie-breaker: Most 3 pointers and then the number of goals scored in the League 2 programme on Monday 21st April)
Sector4 won the tie-break.
noah4x4 won the tie-break.
That makes the draw for the Semi-finals as:-
Daniel v noah4x4
bwildered v Sector4
Semi-final 1st leg Fixtures
Tuesday 29th April
ARSENAL v PARIS SAINT GERMAIN (20.00)
Wednesday 30th April
BARCELONA v INTER MILAN (20.00)
The scoring Keeping with the format for this stage of the competition, in addition to score predictions, please predict two goal-scorers from each game as well, these can of course be two from the same side. Four points, to put more emphasis, for a spot-on score prediction, one point for the correct outcome, and one point for each goal scored (including own goals) by either of your nominated goal-scorers. As there is an advantage posting first regarding goal scorers, the member posting second can have up to two predictions the same.
Good luck everybody. |
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Thread | Electric U's are fully charged at the Eco Power Stadium on Easter Monday
by durham_exile at 21:31 20 Apr 2025
So was it a Good Friday with a point gained or a bad Friday with two lost. Frankly when did we last play well against ten men. We never play well against ten men.
Is it some psychological mind set that we have but rarely do we win against ten men.
Forget about the penalty, which was awful, but we had sufficient other chances to have won the game.
At the start of the season if someone had told you that we would be seventh with three games to play, I think everyone would have taken that.
So, we move onto arguably our toughest game of the season at Donny Rovers tomorrow Easter Monday. Others have tough games too but let’s focus on our three games. If we win them all then we are in the top seven regardless of what others do.
Who wants promotion more and who is prepared to fight to the last minute of the last league game.
Table:
PV 43 76
Doncaster 43 75
Bradford 43 74
Walsall 43 73
Wimbledon 43 70
Notts Co 43 69
COL U 43 66
-----------------
Grimsby 43 66
Chesterfield 43 63
Salford 43 62
Crewe 43 62
Swindon 43 60
Key remaining fixtures:
21 April Easter Monday
Newport v Walsall
Chesterfield v Bradford
Crewe v MK Dons
Gillingham v Wimbledon
Morecambe v Salford
Notts Co v Cheltenham
PV v Grimsby
26 April Saturday
Wimbledon v PV
Doncaster v Bradford
Harrogate v Notts Co
MK Dons v Grimsby
Tranmere v Crewe
Walsall v Accrington
3 May Saturday
Bradford v Fleetwood
Carlisle v Salford
Notts Co v Doncaster
PV v Gillingham
Crewe v Walsall
Grimsby v Wimbledon
Grant McCann has assembled a strong team at Doncaster and they have three very fine players in Jamie Sterry, Luke Molyneux and Joe Ironside. Billy Sharp is serving his final game suspension and will have to be content with receiving copious amounts of red meat in the stand tomorrow afternoon.
Doncaster weather on Easter Monday will be 10 degrees Celsius with light rain and a light breeze. No need to water the pitch.
DC will hopefully have both Jack Payne and Teddy Bishop available to start but let’s consider more realistically Bishop to start and Payne getting some minutes in the second half. DC’s other issue is the striking department. Samson Tovide is number one and with no Lyle Taylor let Kyreece Lisbie be the first change striker. Tyreece Simpson should be on the bench at best.
I am still not convinced with Anthony Scully. Notwithstanding his goal at Newport Doncaster Rovers are a much stronger team and Lisbie will pose more of a goal threat.
So, let’s play the following tomorrow:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
McDonnell Bishop
Thorn Read Edwards
Tovide
Subs:
Smith Tucker Gordon Payne Simpson Lisbie Scully
Now tomorrow is all about the performance in front of a packed house at Donny Rovers. We need to get something from the game and Doncaster have Bradford and Notts Co in their last two games so they will be desperate to also achieve a result.
I think a season defining scoreline of 3-1 to Colchester with Samson Tovide on the scoresheet, Iandolo and Bishop also netting.
A large partisan crowd with good support from the faithful on a greasy but otherwise an excellent quality surface will help Edwards with his pace and skill.
Safe journey to the travelling faithful.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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Thread | The Final Countdown - Matchday #44
by wessex_exile at 16:22 19 Apr 2025
Well, here we go, after a poor performance against Crewe, and definitely a missed opportunity to gain all three points with the Penalty that Time (and players) Forgot, we still find ourselves back in control of our own destiny – it’s in our hands! If the U’s were poor, spare a thought for lacklustre Crewe, who despite still having a chance of the play-offs, just didn’t seem to want to turn up (a bit like their fans, where were they all?). Three attempts on goal, just one on target and only 38% possession – yes they worked very hard to keep us out, but up front they didn’t seem to want to even bother.
It was impossible to see the red card incident from my vantage point in S2, but fortunately much less so for the 4th official right in front of it. Watching the highlights in slo-mo, Flanagan clearly wins the ball, and in the ensuing tumble Lunt for reasons unknown clearly kicks out, literally leaving stud marks on Tom’s midriff (as he was showing to anyone who cared to look). When the 4th official calls the referee over about something he’s seen, you know you might as well start walking down the tunnel. As for the penalty, yes it was a poor effort, but penalties do get saved, these things do happen – Read could have blasted it towards the bottom corner and pantomime villain Marschall could still have saved it. I’m more interested in the actual decision. Credit to Samson for not giving up on the byline, and as goes past the falling Knight-Lebel the ball definitely hits his arm, but more ball to hand if I’m honest. However, and this is the moment, I’m convinced the referee’s decision-making was swayed by the universal roar of “HANDBALL!” from the South Stand. However, the goal wasn’t to be…
Image: Steve Brading
And so on to Matchday #44, and in a special mini-series of as yet indeterminate length, time to review the games of those still in with a half-decent chance of making the play-offs. When I say decent chance, I’m going to include 11th place Crewe, even if they looked like they were already on the beach yesterday (pun intended). Mathematically, I could go done as far as Swindon and Bromley, but with only three games to go they’ve almost certainly got too much to do, even if the former under Ian Holloway are going like a train at the moment – expect them to be up there next season.
Port Vale v Grimsby - Easily the hardest fixture any of the play-off hopefuls are facing on Easter Monday, this will be on the back of an unexpected 4-0 battering at home to the aforementioned Robins. Reading the The New Fishy post-match comments, it would appear that Grimsby were as poor as Swindon were good. They’ll be smarting about that, possibly more so than the 2-0 lead they gave up at the same time as we were banging in two at Newport, and you must assume David Artell will demand a reaction.
Trouble is, they visit a Port Vale side who will be smarting just as much and determined to get back to winning ways to stay on course for the title. Bad enough to concede three at relegation-threatened Carlisle (who are in really good form at the moment), but having pulled two back in the second half, the Valiants had their own injury time penalty to snatch a point. Tolaj struck it well, albeit at a good height for ‘keeper Breeze, who guessed the right way and pulled off an excellent save.
As I see it, Port Vale are in a four-horse race for both automatic promotion and the title, with Doncaster Rovers (more later), Bradford City and Walsall. I’m being charitable here, Walsall are in complete disarray and any talk of Matt Sadler being voted Manager of the Season (yes, he’s been nominated) is farcical. Forecast: Port Vale 3 Grimsby 0
Chesterfield v Bradford City – After a drab 0-0 at Plough Lane, which didn’t help either side that much, Chesterfield are three points outside the play-offs with the best goal difference of those in the chase. It’s also worth noting that Chesterfield didn’t register a single effort on target to trouble former U’s Owen Goodman. Although they were playing better quality opposition, this has to go down as two dropped points for the Spireites, but at least they didn’t miss a penalty in the process.
On Monday they face a Bradford City who will want to bounce back from dropping two points at home to Notts County last Thursday (although I thought County were the better side tbh). This will be a tough game for both sides – the ProAct will be packed to the rafters with Bradford City filling their end (and probably could three times over if the tickets were available) – and the tension may well be a factor. Who will be up for it? It should be Bradford City, after being starved of promotion for so long, but it will be close. Forecast: Chesterfield 1 Bradford City 2
Morecambe v Salford City – Four points adrift and an inferior goal difference must surely mean any lingering play-off hopes for the ‘Ammies will hinge on how they will perform on Easter Monday. Fortunately for them, they visit near relegation certainties Morecambe – eight points from safety and three games to go, Morecambe could win all three and still be relegated.
However, unfortunately for Salford, we can’t overlook they lost 2-1 at home yesterday to another of the relegation candidates, Accrington Stanley – their consolation goal coming from an Adelakun penalty – hey, at least he scored it I suppose. If nothing else, after a six game unbeaten run, it demonstrates that propensity for Salford to shoot themselves in the foot occasionally. How will they fare on Monday? It probably depends on which Morecambe turn up, the go down fighting never say die Morecambe, or the f’ck it, we’re doomed so let’s just get this over with. Forecast: Morecambe 1 Salford 2
Crewe Alexandra v Milton Keynes Dons – Honestly, after the lack of self-belief on display yesterday from both their team and their (largely absent) supporters, still including Crewe in the play-off mix seems fraudulent. However, position-wise they are near identical to Salford, only separated by goals scored, and a bit like the U’s, quite a hard team to beat. I think they’re done already, but anything less than a win on Easter Monday will confirm they stay in League Two next season.
Obviously we know about their game on Good Friday, but on Easter Monday they take on an MK Dons side who just wish the season would end now. There’s no chance the franchise will be at risk of relegation, and after four defeats on the bounce, under new manager Paul Warne they’ll be buoyed by a drab 0-0 stalemate at home to Newport. An experienced manager at this level, I think Warne will instil enough self-belief in his team to take all three points at Gresty Road. Forecast: Crewe Alexandra 1 MK Dons 2
And that just leaves…
Doncaster Rovers v Colchester United – It’s a close call who has the harder fixture on Easter Monday, and I’ve gone for Grimsby on the back of their 4-0 drubbing, but in truth this will be a really tough game for the U’s as well. With Taylor out for the remainder of the season and no news (that I’m aware of) on Harry Anderson, we find ourselves sweating on positive news about Jack Payne. We certainly missed his creativity in the middle of the park yesterday. The good news was seeing Teddy Bishop back on the pitch, and JK Gordon did well replacing Oscar Thorn.
Doncaster are another in the chase for the title and/or automatic promotion and were virtually the only team in the top half of the table to take all three points on Saturday. In style too, brushing aside Tranmere Rovers with a Luke Molyneux hat-trick at Prenton Park. After two draws on the bounce, they now have the top of the table in their sights and a chance to put right what they got so horribly wrong in last season’s play-offs.
In our favour, apart from the 1,000+ who will travel to the Eco-Power Stadium, we do tend to play better against better sides, we have a resilient defence that is clicking really well, and of course we have Mr Clean Sheet Matt Macey between the sticks. I think we have enough about ourselves to prevent Doncaster from scoring, just do we have enough of the right sort of walking wounded to do anything at the other end? Forecast: not a chance I’m jinxing this
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Thread | Happy League 2024/25 Week 38 (of 38) - Deadline Saturday 26th April 12.30
by mfb_cufc at 21:30 18 Apr 2025
Week 37 results
MIDDLESBROUGH 2 PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1
Tommy Conway scored a 93rd-minute penalty as Middlesbrough maintained their Championships play-off hopes against bottom side Plymouth. A magnificent 7 got this spot-on, and a further 12 had the outcome.
BIRMINGHAM CITY 0 CRAWLEY TOWN 0
League One champions Birmingham failed to put their Vertu Trophy sorrows behind them in this bore draw. Nobody had this spot-on, and only Blue4U2 got the outcome. The other 23 predicted a win for Birmingham.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC 2 NORTHAMPTON TOWN 1
Matty Godden's 18th goal of the season helped Charlton secure their place in the League One play-offs with this win. A magnificent 7 got this spot-on, and another 15 had the outcome.
READING 0 LINCOLN CITY 1
Reading's League One play-off hopes suffered a major setback after they were beaten by a James Collins goal for Lincoln. Nobody had this spot-on, and only Blue4U2 got the outcome. 20 predicted a win for Reading
ROTHERHAM UNITED 3 MANSFIELD TOWN 3
Mansfield battled back from two goals down to earn a draw. Another game with no 3 pointer, but 5 did have the outcome.
STEVENAGE 1 BLACKPOOL 3
Rob Apter's hat-trick in 12 second-half minutes handed Blackpool a win to keep their outside play-off hopes alive. Yet another game with no 3 pointer, though 14 did get the outcome.
AFC WIMBLEDON 0 CHESTERFIELD 0
This was an incident-free bore draw, where Chesterfield failed to have a shot on target. Well done to Moor_Pinot for being the only one to get this spot-on, and a further 6 had the outcome. The other 17 predicted a win for Wimbledon.
MILTON KEYNES DONS 0 NEWPORT COUNTY 0
A game between two teams searching for a first win in six games, ground out a bore draw, as either side failed to find a goal spark. Well done to durham_exile for being the only one to have this spot-on, and another 4 got the outcome. 18 predicted a win for MK Dons
SALFORD CITY 1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY 2
Accrington took a big stride towards League Two survival as Ben Woods' breathtaking free-kick earned them a hard-fought victory. Well done to Moor_Pinot for being the only one to get this spot-on, and only BFG had the outcome. The other 22 predicted a win for Salford.
TRANMERE ROVERS 0 DONCASTER ROVERS 3
Luke Molyneux scored a hat-trick as Doncaster continued their promotion push with a comfortable win, and take their unbeaten run to eight games. A final game this week with no 3 pointer, but 19 did get the outcome, with 12 going for a 2-1 in what was the weeks most predicted score.
There has been a number of weeks this season with indifferent results, and plenty of "good things" failing to deliver, but it is fair to say this week has trumped them all. Five games fail to have a 3 pointer, three more only had one, and was left to the 2-1 wins for Middlesbrough and Charlton to stand out like a beacon, as they produced more than half of the weeks points between them. Three members did well to get two 3 pointers each, but it was Blue4U2 , who did best of those to have one 3 pointer, who turned out to be the weeks top scorer, as he had the Charlton 2-1 spot-on, and an impressive six outcomes, to give him a excellent 9 points. The three members to have two 3 pointers were concordman and Sector4, who both got the 2-1 wins for Middlesbrough and Charlton, and Moor_Pinot, who had those good predictions stated above. They each also got two outcomes, to give them all a superb 8 points. A special mention for Jorash63, who also had an impressive six outcomes.
As we come to the final 10 games of the season, I know it is a cliche to say it only seems like 5 minutes since the season started, but to me it has gone quick, especially since the turn of the year. It is good that once again there is still plenty to play for in this final week, especially for both the league titles, that couldn't be much closer.
In the Premier As we come to the final week of the season, I don't think the battle for the Premier title has ever been this close. By having that late winner for Middlesbrough spot-on, mfb_cufc takes over at the top again, but his lead is only a point over blueeagle, who had the Charlton 2-1 spot-on, to give him 38 for the season, just one short of the all time record. Also having the Middlesbrough 2-1 spot-on were unitedwhites and thrillseeker, and they remain third and fourth. The former may have too much to do to break into the Charity Shield places, but he is now only two 3 pointers short of the all time record. Four outcomes were enough for Daniel to remain fifth. But after having that position to himself for the last 13 weeks, he is under pressure to hold onto it for one more week, as thee members move to within a point of him. Leading that trio is RSCOSWORTH, who moved up a place, and back into the the top half again, after his decent week had the Middlesbrough 2-1 spot-on. Current champ concordman finally dispelled any chance of being relegated, as his superb week moved him up a place to seventh. His highest position this season. This means ghughes11 drops a couple of places to the rear of that trio. The superb week for Sector4 has given him a good chance of avoiding the drop now, with 5 points and a better 3 pointer score in hand. A solid week for oxfcolu, that included having the Charlton 2-1 spot-on, moved him up place, but along with burnsieespana and basher2010, is going to require a decent final week to have any chance of escaping the drop.
In Division One This league has been close all season, with the lead changing on numerous occasions, and as we approach the final week, I would say any of the top five could still take the automatic spots. Three outcomes were enough for Lewis_1 to remain top for the third week running, but his lead has been cut to 2 points, as an impressive six outcomes has moved Jorash63 up a place, and back into the other automatic spot once again. Three outcomes for bwildered couldn't stop him dropping to third, as his 16 week run in the automatics comes to an end. A decent week for noah4x4, that included getting the Charlton 2-1 spot-on, keeps him fourth, just 3 points off the top two. The superb week for Moor_Pinot keeps him in fifth place, but only 4 points from the automatics. The closest he has been to them all season. A decent week for Tropical_Us, with the Charlton 2-1 spot-on, moves him up a place, and back into the final play-off place. As the U's go back into the play-offs again, wessex_exile drops out, but only a point away. Four outcomes keep BFG in contention, along with durham_exile, whose decent week had that good MK Dons bore draw prediction. The top scoring performance from Blue4U2 is needing to be repeated if is to stand any chance of making the top six.
THE TABLES (270 out of 280 played)
(Tie-breaker: Most 3 pointers, and then the first to post)
Week 38 Fixtures We are off to the City for the seasons final fixtures. Don't forget it is an early start with the deadline 12.30.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v LEICESTER CITY
LUTON TOWN v COVENTRY CITY (12.30)
CARDIFF CITY v WEST BROMWICH ALBION
HULL CITY v DERBY COUNTY
MIDDLESBROUGH v NORWICH CITY
MILLWALL v SWANSEA CITY
EXETER CITY v HUDDERSFIELD
STOCKPORT COUNTY v LINCOLN CITY
DONCASTER ROVERS v BRADFORD CITY (12.30)
SALFORD CITY v COLCHESTER UNITED
Good luck everybody.
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Thread | DC's Super U's on track for play offs after Home victory over the Railwaymen
by durham_exile at 11:54 18 Apr 2025
If a week is a long time in politics then 24 hours is an eternity in League Two football.
Bradford City proved last night against Notts County how difficult it is to get over the line in a 1-1 draw.
Table as at this morning:
PV 42 76
Bradford 43 74
Walsall 42 72
Doncaster 42 72
Wimbledon 42 69
Notts Co 43 69
Grimsby 42 66
COL U 42 65
Chesterfield 42 62
Salford 42 62
Crewe 42 61
In what is proving to be one of the closest promotion contests in years there are so many twists and turns and there will be more to come. After all, if Man Utd can come back from the dead to resurrect their Europa League hopes then anything is surely possible.
Our four remaining cup finals (plus three further Play Off fixtures as yet unspecified):
Friday 18 April 3pm Crewe Home – Sky Sports+
Monday 21 April 3pm Doncaster Away – Sky Sports+
Saturday 26 April 3pm Salford Away
Saturday 3 May 3pm Barrow Home
Key remaining fixtures in League Two:
18 April Good Friday
Wimbledon v Chesterfield
Carlisle v PV
Grimsby v Swindon
Salford v Accrington
Tranmere v Doncaster
Walsall v Harrogate
21 April Easter Monday
Newport v Walsall
Chesterfield v Bradford
Crewe v MK Dons
Gillingham v Wimbledon
Morecambe v Salford
Notts Co v Cheltenham
PV v Grimsby
26 April
Wimbledon v PV
Doncaster v Bradford
Harrogate v Notts Co
MK Dons v Grimsby
Tranmere v Crewe
Walsall v Accrington
3 May
Bradford v Fleetwood
Carlisle v Salford
Notts Co v Doncaster
PV v Gillingham
Crewe v Walsall
Grimsby v Wimbledon
Today DC’s resurgent U’s entertain Crewe Alexandra in front of a near 8,000 crowd at the JCS. Lee Bell has kept Crewe on the fringes of the promotion hunt though they are fading and today will hit the buffers after a heavy defeat by the Super U’s who are steaming to League One after an inspired set of results since Christmas.
The Railwaymen will be derailed in a 4-0 mauling at the hands of DC and his express team. I hesitate to refer to HS2 but the analogy has to be Stephenson’s Rocket verses the Shinkansen of DC at the JCS.
Now DC’s only problem continues to be injuries to key players. Teddy Bishop and Jack Payne are both still out and Lyle Taylor is out for the season.
The train is about to leave the Station and frankly there is no more room for passengers.
Looking for another clean sheet and a handsome victory against Crewe is likely to fall to the following today:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
McDonnell Read
Thorn Lisbie Edwards
Tovide
Subs:
Smith Gordon Hunt Scully Simpson Tucker Jolliffe
Weather today will be 14 degrees Celsius in Colchester sunny and dry.
The large crowd will be basking in the glow of the sunshine and the glory of a season defining home victory.
Enjoy the game.
Get those seats in E1 and E2 replaced ready for next season.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Daniel's Happy League Predictions Theme
by RSCOSWORTH at 01:34 18 Apr 2025
Week 37 Fixtures
10 games picked by this weeks guest Daniel. He has gone for another excellent theme, that adds to all the good ones we had this season. As we're chasing the final play-off spot, he has picked the games featuring the teams that finished 7th in League 2 over the past 10 seasons.
MIDDLESBROUGH v PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
BIRMINGHAM CITY v CRAWLEY TOWN
CHARLTON ATHLETIC v NORTHAMPTON TOWN
READING v LINCOLN CITY
ROTHERHAM UNITED v MANSFIELD TOWN
STEVENAGE v BLACKPOOL
AFC WIMBLEDON v CHESTERFIELD
MILTON KEYNES DONS v NEWPORT COUNTY
SALFORD CITY v ACCRINGTON STANLEY
TRANMERE ROVERS v DONCASTER ROVERS
Here are my guesses along with the year:
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE - 2016
CRAWLEY TOWN - 2024
NORTHAMPTON TOWN - 2015
LINCOLN CITY - 2018
MANSFIELD TOWN - 2023
STEVENAGE - 2022
AFC WIMBLEDON - 2017
MILTON KEYNES DONS - 2019
SALFORD CITY - 2021
DONCASTER ROVERS - 2020 |
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Thread | Tonight
by durham_exile at 21:37 17 Apr 2025
Notts Co making a fight of it at Valley Parade.
Now 1-1
Up the U's |
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Thread | U'sual Champions League 2025 QF Tie-break - Deadline Monday 21st April 12.30
by mfb_cufc at 00:00 17 Apr 2025
It would be an understatement to say predicting the Champions League Quarter-finals was difficult. They only produced the one 3 pointer, the 3-1 win for PSG in the 1st leg, that Daniel did well to predict. With outcomes also thin on the ground, we are left with the farcical situation of five members now having a tie-break to decide who qualifies for the Semi-finals. I have decided that tie-break should be to predict the total number of goals scored in the League 2 programme on Easter Monday 21st April, with the deadline 12.30.
In Group A the tie-break will be between unitedwhites and Sector4, with the winner joining Daniel in the Semi-finals.
In Group B the tie-break will be between noah4x4, Lewis_1 and basher2010, with the winner joining bwildered in the Semi-finals.
If nobody gets the total number of goals spot-on, the nearest to the total goals will win. If that fails to produce an outright winner, as an additional tie-break, could you also predict the total number of bookings in the League 2 programme on Easter Monday. Could all five members involved in the tie-break please send your predictions to me in a PM sometime before the deadline. |
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Thread | Salford v Donny tonight
by wessex_exile at 11:43 15 Apr 2025
Realistically, Donny are more or less off our radar now, we're really focused on chasing down Grimsby and perhaps Notts County, so I'm perfectly happy for them to put an end to Saltyfords lingering faint play-off hopes tonight. Considering the lead they had at one point, it's remarkable that a Doncaster win will see Walsall drop out of the automatic promotion places. |
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Thread | Average attendance
by wessex_exile at 17:49 14 Apr 2025
First covered on the OMB, but we are in striking distance of reaching a home league attendance average of 5,000 this season. Our total home attendance for the 21 games so far is 99,819, so we are 15,181 short of the target 115,000 (23 x 5,000), or 7,591 on average over the last two games.
It's certainly doable, but probably hinging on the level of away support, or whether Robbie allocates some of the North Stand to home supporters if there's demand for the Barrow game. I think one of the issues for the North Stand share idea is there isn't a means to segregate the concourse under the stand. I don't know, I've never been in the North Stand?
Donny is selling well at the moment, E4-E8 approaching a sell-out, S1 and S2 sold out, S3 and S4 close to sold out, as are W3, 4 and 6.
Technically, there is another way to reach a home average of 5,000, but that would require a 24th home game. The good news is that in that scenario, our required average over three home league games actually drops to 6,727 per match  |
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Thread | Happy League 2024/25 Week 37 (of 38) - Deadline Good Friday 18th April 15.00
by mfb_cufc at 22:30 12 Apr 2025
Week 36 results
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0 OXFORD UNITED 1
Sam Long scored the only goal as Oxford boosted their Championship survival hopes with this victory, to inflict Wednesday with a fifth consecutive home loss in the league, Well done to BFG for being the only one to get this spot-on, and only unitedwhites and ghughes11 had the outcome. 18 predicted a win for Wednesday.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 WATFORD 1
West Brom held on to end their five-match winless run and boost their flagging play-off bid with this victory. A sublime 5 had this spot-on, and a further 11 got the outcome.
BRISTOL ROVERS 1 EXETER CITY 2
A sixth straight defeat for Rovers means they slip into the League One relegation zone. 3 got this spot-on, and 3 also had the outcome.
CRAWLEY TOWN 1 LEYTON ORIENT 3
Charlie Kelman scored two goals in two second-half minutes to boost Orient's play-off challenge, as they came from behind to win at relegation threatened Crawley. Only Daniel and durham_exile had this spot-on, and another 15 got the outcome.
HARROGATE TOWN 2 GRIMSBY TOWN 2
Kieran Green's wonder goal from inside his own half could not inspire League Two play-off hopefuls Grimsby to victory as Harrogate struck twice in the 85th and 87th minutes to salvage an unlikely draw, and take their unbeaten home run to nine games. Well done to Madeira163 for being the only one to get this spot-on, and 5 more had the outcome.
NEWPORT COUNTY 0 COLCHESTER UNITED 2
Colchester scored goals in the 88th and 94th minutes to earn a dramatic victory, and to move within a point of Grimsby in the final play-off spot, as Newport are now winless in five. Only unitedwhites and wessex_exile had this spot-on, and a further 15 got the outcome, with 10 going for a 1-0 in what was the weeks most predicted score.
Late goals, late goals, we just love late goals. Well you certainly do, if like most on this site do, support Colchester. Late goals put a different complexion on results almost every week, but probably never so much as they did this week. The late goals from Harrogate and Colchester changed a 5 point deficit to the play-offs for the U's, to a single point in the blink of an eye. Despite bringing the U's play-off hopes back to life, late goals didn't do some members any favours, with the Orient 3rd goal stopping the 8 who went for 2-1 getting 3 points. The Colchester 2nd goal stopped the 10 who went for a 1-0 having a spot-on, and the Harrogate equaliser foiled the 4 who predicted Grimsby to win 2-1. For the second time in five weeks we had the rare occurrence of every game having a 3 pointer, but only 14 in total. Those 3 pointers were shared out with 14 members getting one each. Only two of them had three outcomes, to share the honour of being the weeks top scorer, with a decent 6 points each. They were concordman, who got the Exeter 2-1, and BFG who had that good Oxford 1-0 prediction.
With just 20 games left to the season, here is a final look to how the season has gone so far. The 260 games have ended with 106 (40.77%) home wins, 83 (31.92%) away wins, and 71 (27.31%) draws. Considering random fixtures are chosen every week, all seasons come out virtually the same, and this one is no different. The top result remains the 1-1 with 40, and is certain to be top once again, as it is 11 ahead of the 1-0. The top result for an away is the 0-1 with 22.
In the Premier The late goals mentioned in the games above had a real influence on the top two, and it ended with blueeagle taking over at the top again, after he got the West Brom 2-1 spot-on. It was looking even better for him as he also had 2-1 wins for Orient and Grimsby. He takes over on the most 3 pointer rule from mfb_cufc, who also missed out by having 2-1 wins for Orient and Grimsby, as well as 1-0 for Colchester, but has to settle for just four outcomes instead. With everyone else bar one scoring either 3 or 4, there is no other change in this division. The bar one being concordman, and his top scoring performance has increased his chances of avoiding the drop.
In Division One There is no change with the top two both having the West Brom 2-1 spot-on, and one outcome, that means Lewis_1 maintains his 3 point lead over bwildered. Three outcomes for Jorash63, and he remains third. Just the one outcome for noah4x4, but it is enough for him to remain fourth. Another to get the West Brom 2-1 spot-on was Moor_Pinot, and he moves up a place to fifth. In Week 31 wessex_exile commented "As with the U's, I'm looking for a late run into the play-offs (or back into the play-offs in my case) - fingers-crossed!". Well he has kept his side of the bargain by moving up a place into the final play-off spot, after he had the U's 2-0 spot-on. Still 20 games for him to stay there, and lets hope it is an omen for the U's. Just the two outcomes for Tropical_Us, and he drops out of the play-off places for only the second time this season. The last time being in Week 12. The top scoring performance from BFG has put him right back into the play-off picture once again, to just within 2 points. A solid 5 points for durham_exile, that included having that Orient 3-1 spot-on, keeps him in contention for a top six finish. Just one outcome for Blue4U2 leaves him with a lot to do now.
THE TABLES (260 out of 280 played)
(Tie-breaker: Most 3 pointers, and then the first to post)
Week 37 Fixtures 10 games picked by this weeks guest Daniel. He has gone for another excellent theme, that adds to all the good ones we had this season. As we're chasing the final play-off spot, he has picked the games featuring the teams that finished 7th in League 2 over the past 10 seasons. Don't forget this weeks fixtures are on Good Friday.
MIDDLESBROUGH v PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
BIRMINGHAM CITY v CRAWLEY TOWN
CHARLTON ATHLETIC v NORTHAMPTON TOWN
READING v LINCOLN CITY
ROTHERHAM UNITED v MANSFIELD TOWN
STEVENAGE v BLACKPOOL
AFC WIMBLEDON v CHESTERFIELD
MILTON KEYNES DONS v NEWPORT COUNTY
SALFORD CITY v ACCRINGTON STANLEY
TRANMERE ROVERS v DONCASTER ROVERS
Good luck everybody. |
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Thread | Exiles to be exiled at Rodney Parade by superb Super U's
by durham_exile at 23:36 11 Apr 2025
First some great news, DC has deservedly scooped the league Two Manager of the Month award for March.
Salford City moved closer to the U’s after winning 3-1 at lacklustre Notts County this evening (Friday). County could implode and miss out they looked poor and disjointed tonight.
League Table:
Bradford 41 73
PV 41 73
Walsall 41 72
Doncaster 40 70
Wimbledon 41 68
Notts Co 42 68
Grimsby 41 65
COL U 41 62
Crewe 42 61
Salford 41 61
Our five Cup Finals:
Saturday 12 April 3pm Newport Away
Friday 18 April 3pm Crewe Home – Sky Sports+
Monday 21 April 3pm Doncaster Away – Sky Sports+
Saturday 26 April 3pm Salford Away
Saturday 3 May 3pm Barrow Home
The remaining key League two fixtures:
12 April
Doncaster v Wimbledon
Swindon v Bradford
Barrow v Walsall
Harrogate v Grimsby
PV v Bromley
15 April
Salford v Doncaster
17 April
Bradford v Notts Co
18 April Good Friday
Wimbledon v Chesterfield
Carlisle v PV
Grimsby v Swindon
Salford v Accrington
Tranmere v Doncaster
Walsall v Harrogate
21 April Easter Monday
Newport v Walsall
Chesterfield v Bradford
Crewe v MK Dons
Gillingham v Wimbledon
Morecambe v Salford
Notts Co v Cheltenham
PV v Grimsby
26 April
Wimbledon v PV
Doncaster v Bradford
Harrogate v Notts Co
MK Dons v Grimsby
Tranmere v Crewe
Walsall v Accrington
3 May
Bradford v Fleetwood
Carlisle v Salford
Notts Co v Doncaster
PV v Gillingham
Crewe v Walsall
Grimsby v Wimbledon
Tomorrow sees the U’s travel to Rodney Parade to do battle with the Exiles led by Nelson Jardim. It goes without saying that this is a must win. Our recent record at Rodney parade is not brilliant but our win against Notts Co has given the team momentum and so win we will by 3-0 with Samson Tovide a brace and Owura Edwards on the scoresheet.
Newport weather will be 16 degrees Celsius sunny with little or no breeze.
DC will also have a couple of key decisions to make regarding his starting XI.
The first nine places seem fairly standard (injuries to Bishop, Anderson and Payne notwithstanding). It is the strikers where he needs to consider who starts. Tovide is a certain starter and Simpson may get the nod over Taylor.
I would like to see Aboh and Lisbie travel with the squad and one at least of them to get some minutes.
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
McDonnell
Thorn Read Edwards
Simpson Tovide
Subs
Smith Aboh Taylor Lisbie Tucker Scully Hunt
What a pleasure it is to be challenging at the right end of the table and to be there on merit.
The faithful should be travelling in good numbers and we hope to have closed the gap on Grimsby at 5pm who face a difficult game at Harrogate.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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