The Promo Files

Was this Saturday the day we finally saw the top six taking shape? After Blackpool`s 2-1 home win against Crewe, it appears that The Seasiders have stolen a march on closest rivals Swansea City.

Scunthorpe 2 - 0 Bradford City
A goal each for the two Scunny goal machines, Billy Sharp and Jermaine Beckford in the second half means United are almost promoted now. What could have been a better game for them this weekend, with City in freefall?

Bristol City 1 - 1 Nottingham Forest
In the game of the day, it was honours even as Grant Holt`s goal for Forest was cancelled out by a Bradley Orr strike half an hour later. This meant no change in the respective standings for either side.

Tranmere Rovers 0 - 2 Carlisle United (Friday)
On Friday night, Rovers` playoff hopes were all but dashed as they crashed to a 2-0 home defeat to Carlisle. Goals from Danny Graham (he wasn`t as bad as he was made out at Bloomers) Kevin Gall either side of the break were enough. Carlisle had a man sent off as well.

Millwall 2 - 0 Swansea City
The Swans went down to two Neil Harris goals at The Den after their skipper, Alan Tate was sent off after just twenty-two minutes. This could leave City in all sorts of trouble as they`re now four adrift of 'Pool.

Oldham 1 - 0 Yeovil Town
Yeovil seem to 'bottling it` just at the wrong time, after another defeat, this time away at Oldham. A Gary McDonald goal after 37 minutes was enough for The Latics and saw them leapfrog Town into 5th.

I have now discounted Doncaster Rovers from the playoffs as they are ten points off us, although they do have a game in hand. But even if they were to win that game, seven points with six left is a bit much. Incidently, they won today in the Johnstone Paint Trophy, beating Bristol Rovers 3-2 after extra time.

The Table:

1 Scunthorpe 40 79
2 Bristol City 40 75

3 Nottm Forest 40 71
4 Oldham 40 67
5 Yeovil 40 67
6 Blackpool 40 65

7 Swansea 40 61
8 Tranmere 40 59
9 Carlisle 40 59

Looking at the table, a result for us next week against Tranmere, coupled with a Swansea defeat would probably see the top six as it will finish. That would take us seven ahead of Swansea and nine in front of Rovers. Carlisle are still there with a hope though, and I'd say they've a better chance than Rovers.

Next Week's Fixtures:

Scunthorpe v Yeovil, 19:30 (Friday)
Blackpool v Tranmere, 15:00
Bristol City v Swansea, 15:00
Millwall v Nottm Forest, 15:00
Oldham v Huddersfield, 15:00
Port Vale v Carlisle, 15:00

With Yeovil and Oldham having tricky looking games, I can see us being fourth come Saturday night going into Easter Monday. Too optimistic?

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