Author: horse-racing-free-tips

Southend were crowned League One champions following a 1-0 win against Bristol City. Wayne Gray came off the bench to score the winner with three minutes to go for the 4/5 Shrimpers.

Colchester only needed to avoid defeat to secure automatic promotion and earned the point they required with a goalless draw at Yeovil. The 12/5 draw means Colchester will play in the second tier of English football for the first time in their history next season.

Brentford’s hopes of automatic promotion were ended by veteran striker Steve Fletcher as he equalised for Bournemouth in stoppage time. Sam Sodje gave Brentford the lead after 22 minutes but the Cherries equalised through Steve Foley on the stroke of half-time. Andrew Frampton put the Bees back in control on 65 but Fletcher snatched a 12/5 draw at the death.

Fourth placed Huddersfield were held to a 9/4 goalless draw at relegated Swindon and will face local rivals Barnsley in the play-offs. The Tykes secured their place with a crucial 2-1 win at Walsall. Marc Richards gave 4/5 Barnsley the lead after 31 minutes but Dean Keates equalised from the penalty spot on the hour. Daniel Nardiello struck the winner, also from the penalty spot, with seven minute left.

Swansea confirmed their place in the play-offs with an emphatic 4-0 win at Chesterfield. Leon Knight needed just five minutes to break the deadlock and Rory Fallon added a second on 33. Knight struck again on 79 and completed his hat-trick with one minute left for the 9/10 Swans.

Nottingham Forest’s late rally was in vain as they missed out on the final play-off spot following a 1-1 draw at Bradford. Dean Windass gave the Bantams the lead after 20 minutes but Julian Bennett salvaged a 12/5 draw with two minutes remaining.

A win wasn’t enough for outsiders Doncaster to sneak into the play-offs despite winning 2-0 at managerless Tranmere. Lewis Guy after 12 minutes and Neil Roberts on 43 scored the decisive goals for the 13/10 Rovers.

Hartlepool were relegated after failing to get the win they needed against Port Vale to avoid the drop. Michael Cummins gave Vale the lead after 77 minutes but James Brown scored a 13/5 equaliser with four minutes remaining.

Milton Keynes Dons were also relegated after they could only muster a goalless draw against Rotherham. The Dons needed a win while the Millers were content with a 5/2 draw.

Southend’s promotion celebrations were postponed after they slipped to a 1-0 home defeat against Doncaster. The Shrimpers needed a win to book a place in the Championship next season but James Coppinger spoiled the party a minute after the break to set up an unexpected 5/1 away win.

Colchester crept into the automatic promotion spot after beating Bournemouth 2-1, their first away win since January. Liam Chilvers put the U’s ahead after five minutes but Stephen Cooke restored parity three minutes later. On loan Scott Vernon’s first goal for the club six minutes into the second half secured a 7/5 win. The result also guarantees Phil Parkinson’s side a play-off place.

Brentford also confirmed their place in the play-offs and left Swindon in a precarious position after a 3-1 win at the County Ground. Paul Brooker drew first blood for the 13/10 Bees after 27 minutes and Marcus Gayle added a second on 39. Aaron Brown pulled a goal back for the Robins after 70 minutes but Callum Willock made sure of the points five minutes later.

Huddersfield were another side which enjoyed a 3-1 away win, but the result sent opponents Walsall crashing out of League One. David Graham gave the Terriers the lead after 25 minutes and Pawel Abbott netted a second with seven minutes remaining. Michael Leary gave the Saddlers hope in stoppage time, but Andy Booth late on confirmed an 11/8 win and relegation for Walsall.

Barnsley clung on to their position in the play-offs with a 1-1 draw at Blackpool. Keigan Parker gave the Tangerines the lead after 21 minutes but Brian Howard ensured a share of the spoils on 53 at 12/5.

Swansea edged back into the play-off places with a 1-1 draw at Oldham. Luke Beckett gave the Latics the lead on the hour from the penalty spot but Kris O’Leary levelled for the Swans eight minutes later for a 12/5 draw.

Nottingham Forest’s run of six consecutive wins came to a dramatic halt as relegation threatened Hartlepool beat them 3-2. Nathan Tyson gave Forest the lead after 15 minutes but Joel Porter equalised on 32. Two quickfire goals from Michael Nelson on 59 and Michael Proctor on the hour secured a precious 9/4 win before Kris Commons gave Forest hope on 67.

MK Dons kept their hopes of League One survival alive with a last-gasp victory at Chesterfield. Clive Platt gave the Dons the lead after 13 minutes but Colin Larkin equalised five minutes after the break. With four minutes remaining, Gareth Edds struck the winner to seal a fourth successive win, this time at odds of 7/4.