Leyton Orient secured automatic promotion in the last minute but relegated Oxford to the Conference in the process. Eric Sabin gave Oxford the lead after 14 minutes but Clint Easton equalised two minutes later. Gary Alexander edged the O’s in front on 64 but again the lead didn’t last as Chris Wilmott levelled within two minutes. With the match heading for a draw, Lee Steele struck in injury time for 6/5 Orient to win them automatic promotion for the first time in 36 years.
Grimsby’s hopes of automatic promotion were shattered in the third minute of injury time as they were held to a draw by already-promoted Northampton. The Mariners needed to win or better the result of Leyton Orient to snatch the third automatic promotion place and looked good to do so when Jean-Paul Kalala converted a penalty after 75 minutes. But, with 20 seconds to go, Ryan Gilligan equalised to set up a 5/2 draw and consigned Grimsby to the play-offs.
Carlisle were confirmed as League Two champions and Stockport avoided relegation as both sides drew 0-0 at Edgley Park. County’s Adam Griffin and Carlisle’s Glenn Murray both could have won it for either side but punter’s who foresaw a draw at 12/5 will have been smiling at full-time.
Torquay earned the point they needed to avoid the drop with a goalless draw against Boston. A game of few chances for either side ended as a 5/2 stalemate but preserved the Seagull’s league status.
Cheltenham prepared for their play-off clash with Wycombe by smashing five past Mansfield at Field Mill. Steve Gillespie opened the scoring after 34 minutes and Ashley Vincent struck a second on the stroke of half time. Grant McCann scored on 50, David Bird converted a penalty on 81 and Kayode Odejayi completed the rout four minutes later to make a mockery of the 9/5 odds on offer.
Inconsistent Wycombe ended Peterborough’s hopes of sneaking into the play-offs with a 2-0 win at London Road. Jermaine Easter broke the deadlock after 15 minutes and Mike Williamson made sure with five minutes left for the 3/1 Chairboys.
Lincoln clinched a play-off place for the fourth consecutive season after a 1-1 draw with Rochdale. Gareth McAuley gave the Imps the lead after 72 minutes but Rickie Lambert equalised two minute from time to set up a 14/5 draw.
Darlington missed out on the play-offs following their 1-1 draw with Wrexham. Danny Williams gave the Welshmen the lead after 31 minutes but Andy Cooke struck the 12/5 equaliser in stoppage time.
