Southend confirmed their promotion to the Championship after earning the point they required in the 2-2 draw at Swansea. The Shrimpers twice fell behind to Rory Fallon goals on 19 and 34 but equalised on both occasions through leading goalscorer Fredy Eastwood after 28 and 63 minutes. The 12/5 draw means Steve Tilson’s are four points above third placed Brentford with one game to play.
Colchester are on the brink of automatic promotion after beating relegation-threatened Rotherham 2-0, their third successive victory. An own goal from Shaun Barker after 29 minutes and Mark Yeates on 53 secured an 8/15 home win.
Brentford were frustrated by Hartlepool as the two sides drew 1-1 at Griffin Park. Kevin O’Connor put the Bees in pole position six minutes before the end but Michael Nelson set-up a 14/5 draw with an injury time equaliser.
Huddersfield’s hopes of automatic promotion were ended as they lost 2-1 at home to Yeovil. David Graham put the Terriers in front after eight minutes but Phil Jevons ensured an unlikely 41/10 win with a penalty on 66 and winning goal after 72 minutes.
Draw specialists Barnsley recorded their eighth stalemate in their last 11 games with a goalless draw against Bradford. Shrewd punters will have eagerly snapped up the 11/4 on offer.
Nottingham Forest’s late bid for a play-off place will be decided on the final day of the season after they were held 1-1 at home to Bournemouth at 3/1 odds. Steve Fletcher gave the Cherries the lead after 48 minutes but Nathan Tyson levelled on 56.
Doncaster kept their outside chances of snatching the final play-off berth alive with a 1-0 win against Oldham. James Coppinger struck the decisive goal for 11/10 Rovers after 66 minutes.
Bristol City’s hopes of reaching the play-offs ended as they drew 1-1 with local rivals Swindon, a result which relegated Iffy Onoura’s side. Former City winger Aaron Brown gave Swindon the lead four minutes into the second half but David Cotterill levelled on 68 to set-up a 10/3 draw.
Milton Keynes Dons survival battle will be decided on the final match of the season as they crashed 2-1 against Tranmere. David Partridge headed into his own net after 87 minutes to give Rovers the lead but Izale McLeod equalised on 90. With the match heading for a draw Delroy Facey struck a 23/10 winner late in stoppage time.
Relegated Walsall earned manager Mark Kinsella victory in his first match in charge against Gillingham. Veteran striker Steve Claridge netted the decisive goal for the 9/2 Saddlers after 56 minutes.
Elsewhere, Scunthorpe snatched a last-gasp winner against Blackpool with Billy Sharp scoring the winner in injury time for the 8/5 Iron.
Port Vale came from a goal down to emphatically beat Chesterfield 3-1 at Vale Park. Jamie O’Hara gave the Spireites a third minute lead but George Pilkington equalised two minutes later. Pilkington put the Valiants ahead after 15 minutes and Michael Cummins sealed an 11/10 home win with nine minutes remaining.
