Promotion In Focus

Click that ‘X’ on the top corner of your BBC webpage, and stop looking at the table along with the results. All you need to know about the League One promotion chase is here!

With The Seasiders having no game this Saturday, how`s League One looking after another round of fixtures?

The games that were of consequence to Blackpool were:
Bristol City v Huddersfield
Carlisle v Yeovil
Nottingham Forest v Northampton
Swansea v Oldham
Tranmere v Doncaster

Bristol City v Huddersfield
Firstly at Ashton Gate, a revitalised Huddersfield Town team travelled to play Bristol City. The Terriers, having not lost since New Year, fancied their chances as the old FA Cup glamour-tie hoodoo looked to be hanging over City`s head as they lost both league games post the Middlesborough draw.

The Robins went behind after 52 minutes when Gary Taylor-Fletcher put the visitors ahead, and when ‘keeper Basso was sent off, it looked like the three points were heading back to Yorkshire. However, there was a late sting in the tail as Lee Johnson (son of manager Gary) scored a dramatic late equaliser with two minutes remaining.

City in relation to ‘Pool: Six points in front with The Tangerines having two games in hand.

Carlisle v Yeovil
Carlisle United playing host to Yeovil Town was a massive game for both sides as they battle on in search of promotion glory via the playoffs, or in Yeovil`s case – automatically. It really was a fixture the Somerset outfit could ill-afford to lose if they were to challenge Oldham and co for top spot. Thankfully for them, they didn`t as they ran out 4-1 winners in Cumbria.

It wasn`t all plain sailing for Town though. At the break, United lead through Garner`s goal on 43 minutes. Russell Slade must have said something right at half time, as his side fit four in the second 45. On loan striker Leon Best hit two, with Gray and Cohen adding the others – with the Carlisle net bulging twice in stoppage time.

United in relation to ‘Pool: One point behind with ‘Pool having three games in hand.
Town in relation to ‘Pool: Seven points ahead with us having two games to make up.

Nottingham Forest v Northampton Town
At The City Ground, Nottingham Forest entertained a Northampton side with Gretna prodigy Kenny Deuchar in it. Despite the part time doctor`s best efforts, Forest came out on top 1-0 through a 66th minute header from Julian Bennett.

Forest in relation to ‘Pool: The mighty have two games in hand over Forest, but the tree huggers are nine points better off.

Swansea City v Oldham
At The Liberty Stadium, Swansea City really had to beat top of the table, Oldham if they were to have any chance of catching The Latics this season. A Paul Warne tap-in after 32 was enough for the points for Athletic, who were without Richie Wellens. Swansea are now 11 points adrift of Oldham having played the same amount of games.

City in relation to ‘Pool: Level on points with Blackpool having two games yet to play.
Athletic in relation to ‘Pool: 11 ahead of The Seasiders, who have two games in hand.

Tranmere v Doncaster
The final game was Tranmere versus Doncaster at Prenton Park and a Chris Greenacre finish inside six minutes gave Rovers (the plastic scouse type Rovers) the victory. A shocking turnout however: just under 6000 were at the game (maybe down to the fact it was on a Saturday and they all like watching Liverpool?).

Tranmere in relation to ‘Pool: Two points ahead but Blackpool have three games in hand.
Doncaster in relation to ‘Pool: One point behind and we still have a game to play.

Top of the L1 table:
1 Oldham 31 58
2 Scunthorpe 31 58
3 Nottm Forest 31 56
4 Yeovil 31 54
5 Bristol City 31 53
6 Tranmere 32 49
7 Swansea 31 47
8 Blackpool 29 47
9 Doncaster 30 46
10 Carlisle 32 46

Of course, Simon Grayson`s men must concentrate on themselves and themselves only in the run in. Will The Seasiders make their games in hand count?