The Battle to The Play-offs

The Contenders

Sheffield United

Current run; Won 1
Last 10 games; WDLLDDWWLW
Goal Difference; +14
Points; 67
Games played; 41
Oldham (a), Yeovil (a), Bradford (h), Leyton Orient (a), Chesterfield (h)

Key Man: Matt Done

Since moving to Sheffield United in the January transfer window from play-off rivals Rochdale United, Matt Done has scored 7 goals in 14 games.

Sheffield United's league campaign has been over shadowed by their cup exploits which saw them reaching the League Cup semi-finals. However the blades have still found the majority of their season has been spent in 5th place in the league. Promotion is the ultimate goal for a club of Sheffield United's size and their cup run has eased the fact that they have failed to earn automatic promotion and as they will attempt to reach the play offs.


Chesterfield

Current run; Won 4
Last 10 games; LWWLWLWWWW
Goal Difference; +9
Points; 63
Games played; 41
Barnsley (a), Colchester (h), Oldham (a), Bristol City (h), Sheff Utd (a)


Key Man: Gary Roberts

The absence of Gary Roberts saw the Spireites lose four games in a row and watch the fifth place they had worked so hard for become out of reach. The return of Roberts has seen a upturn in form and his presence on and off the pitch has reignited the Spireites season and seen them rocket back up the table and sit back in a play off birth.

The Spireites have found form at just the right time of the season winning four games on the bounce. With a big win against Bradford it is now Chesterfield's play-off spot to lose. With just five games remaining it's all to play for and good results will put the Spireites into dreamland and the play-offs with a chance to promote to the Championship.

Rochdale

Current run; Won 1
Last 10 games; LWWLWWLWLW
Goal Difference; +14
Points; 59
Games played; 40
Doncaster (a), Swindon (h), Gillingham (a), L Orient (h), MK Dons (h), Barnsley (a)

Key Man: Ian Henderson

Ian Henderson has scored an impressive 18 goals this league campaign. The England U20 player has forged himself good partnerships with the previously mentioned Done and now finds himself partnering Calvin Andrew following the sale of Done.

Rochdale have been on a roller-coaster ride season since their promotion last season from league two. Only 9 games ago Rochdale were stuck in 15th position. After spending their season yo-yoing between 6th and 12th they will hope their game in hand and great goal difference will put the pressure on the teams around them.

Fleetwood

Current run; Won 2
Last 10 games; WLDWWLDDWW
Goal Difference; +1
Points; 59
Games played; 41
Walsall (a), MK Dons (h), Doncaster (a), Colchester (h), Port Vale (a)

Fleetwood have been very consistent performers this season. The Cod Army have never been below 14th this season and only twice slipped out of the top 12. They have only conceded 44 goals in 41 games which is the second best for a team outside the top three. Only ex Spireite Rich O'Donnell and Walsall have a better defence outside the top 3.

Key Man: Chris Maxwell

Goalkeeper Maxwell has been a key part of Fleetwood's success. Maxwell has 11 clean sheets this season.


Bradford

Current run; Lost 1
Last 10 games; LLWDDDWLWL
Goal Difference; +5
Points; 57
Games played; 40
Gillingham (a), Bristol City (h), Sheff Utd (a), Scunthorpe (a), Barnsley (h), Crewe (a)

Bradford's league campaign has been over shadowed by FA Cup success. The Bantams beat Premiership leaders Chelsea 4-2 away from home and then went on to beat fellow Premiership side Sunderland. Another story of their season has been their pitch and the team getting the most out of it.

Key Man: Jon Stead

One stand out performer has been on loan Jon Stead, his form has been back at the standard that earned him a one million pound move to the Premiership back in 2004. Bradford's success has also been based on their team spirit with Billy Knott, Billy Clarke and James Hanson among others getting lots of plaudits this season.











Peterborough

Current run; Drew
Last 10 games; LWWWWLWLLD
Goal Difference; -3
Points; 57
Games played; 41
Swindon (a), Crewe (h), Barnsley (a), Crawley (h), Oldham (a)

Peterborough got off to a fantastic start to League One this season and found themselves 2nd after 15 matches, but just 1 win in 12 saw the end of Darren Ferguson's rein as Peterborough boss. Caretaker Dave Robertson has steadied the ship and The Posh will need results to go in their favour to promote.

Barnsley

Current run; Lost 2
Last 10 games; WWWWWDDDLL
Goal Difference; -3
Points; 56
Games played; 41
Chesterfield (h), Notts Co (a), Peterborough (h), Bradford (a), Rochdale (h)


Key Man: Conor Hourihane 

Conor Hourihane scored 6 goals in 9 games in the early part of this season from midfield, he currently has 13. Although his scoring exploits have tailed off somewhat he is still a massive part of the Barnsley midfield. 

Barnsley have found themselves mid table most of this campaign which was seen as a rebuilding season for Tykes. In February the Barnsley board to the decision to sack Danny Wilson and appoint Lee Johnson from Oldham which saw them win 6 successive matches. Current form has seen them take 3 points from 5 matches but with Chesterfield, Peterborough, Bradford and Rochdale to play they will hope 4 wins will see them there or thereabouts.


Doncaster Rovers

Current run; Lost 2
Last 10 games; LLWDDLLWLL
Goal Difference; -4
Points; 53
Games played; 40
Rochdale (h), L Orient (a), Fleetwood (h), MK Dons (a), Notts Co (a), Scunthorpe (h)