The Play-Off Race 2008: To The Wire

Last updated : 16 April 2008 By Matthew Jones
It's tight at the top
After their 2-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, it looks as if Tranmere Rovers' play-off challange for this season is well and truely over.

After Leeds United came from behind to beat Carlisle United 3-2 on Saturday lunch time, Ronnie Moore and his side knew only one result would do this weekend, but a dire second half display allowed Forest in, and meant that former Champions of England Leeds have stretched their lead over Tranmere to five points.

Of course, mathmatically Tranmere are still in with a chance, especially if they win against Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium on Saturday and Leeds lose away to Millwall, but Tranmere's weekend defeat also let Walsall back above them in the table after the Saddlers beat Cheltenham Town, meaning Rovers are now not just relying on the results of one team.

Here, we look at what promises to be another exciting weekend of fixtures in a play-off race that is destined to go right to the wire.


We won't count the Wirral club out of the race just yet, but things do look very grim for Ronnie Moore's side, who look destined for their eighth consecutive season in Coca-Cola League One.

This weekend they travel to Yorkshire to take on Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium, a team who have very little left to play for, although they are now under new management.

However, for a team with very little to play for, a Derby day win against Leeds United on Tuesday night (1-0) has certainly helped Tranmere but means the Terriers could come into this game on a bit of a high.

Things are now out of Tranmere's control if they do want a play-off place come May 3rd, but Ronnie Moore will still be desperate to get three points as a message of thanks to the travelling fans who have stuck with the team all season.

With Steve Davies and Chris Shuker now back in the squad, Tranmere look like a much stronger team, and if the two wingers can start providing crosses for the two front men, likely to once again be Ian Moore and leading scorer Chris Greenacre, then goals can only be just around the corner.

What has been a problem of recent weeks for Tranmere though has been their defence, as they come into this fixture with just one clean sheet in their last ten matches. Ben Chorley does return from suspension to the Tranmere side for this game, and although many view Chorley as a weak link in the Tranmere side, he has performed well of late, recovering some of his early season form, and the Tranmere defence has looked a lot stronger with him at the back.

Prediction: Huddersfield Town 1-2 Tranmere Rovers


Up until Tuesday night's dissapointing 1-0 defeat at the Galpharm Stadium against Huddersfield Town, Leeds United had been finding some form just at the right time under new boss Gary McAllister. Now four points clear of their nearest challangers though, and having played the same amount of games as everybody else, there is still a lot to play for.

This fixture against Millwall though could prove to be a very tricky test for McAllister's side. With a hostile atmosphere, more so than usual, likely to be around in the New Den, as well as a Millwall team desperate to ensure their place in League One next season, things won't be easy for United.

A lot could depend on how Leeds react to their defeat on Tuesday night, and Gary McAllister will be keen to get them ticking again. Of course, a win for Leeds could secure their play-off place and end the race if results go their way.

Prediction: Millwall 1-1 Leeds United

The team in seventh place in League One, and four points behind Leeds United, is Walsall, who have a tricky test against Bournemouth at the Bescott Stadium on Saturday.

This is a game that many fans will expect Walsall to win and win comfortably. Bournemouth, although they have found some form recently, especially at Dean Court, have been consistently awful away from home all season, however, in their most recent away match they amazingly won 2-1 at Swansea City and now have four wins on the bounce.

Now just six points short of safety, Bournemouth will no doubt still be going all out for the win as they try to keep hold of their place in League One, but Walsall are also pushing for those vital points as they look to close in on Leeds.

Prediction: Walsall 2-2 Bournemouth

Arguably the side with the easiest game who are still going for a play-off place is Brighton and Hove Albion, who are at home to Hartlepool United.

Just one point and one place above Tranmere in the table, a win would obviously keep Brighton above Rovers and also, if results go as predicted in this article, push them above Walsall and leave them just two points behind Leeds United.

Hartlepool United have only pride to play for now this season, as they come into this fixture in midtable, safe from both relegation and promotion. Fair play to any Hartlepool fan who makes the journey, and they will want to see their team put 110% effort in as ever, but Brighton are desperate for points and now without a win in five, this could be their last chance.

Prediction: Brighton 2-0 Hartlepool


Following these games then, the league table would look like this if results go as predicted:

6th: Leeds United with 68 points from 44 games
7th: Brighton and Hove Albion with 66 from 44
8th: Tranmere Rovers with 65 from 44
9th: Walsall: 63 from 44

Fingers crossed and lets hope that come Saturday evening, Tranmere are still in with a shout of playing in the Championship next season.

*Please Note: This could all be academic should Leeds United be successful in their appeal and recieve any of their 15 points back on Friday.