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Around the Division ———— LEAGUE TWO ROUND-UP ———— OWEN MIZON TAKES HIS LATEST LOOK ACROSS LEAGUE TWO Strap yourselves in for the final matchday of the 2020/21 campaign. Relegation may be confirmed, but what remains so unpredictable is the promotion race. With the top three all suffering defeat, there’s still a title at stake and play-off positions to be grabbed. What we can guarantee is that final day drama is about to ensue. For one final time, let’s digest the trials and tribulations of Sky Bet League Two. Front runners Cheltenham Town will become the champions of the division this afternoon if they can secure three points, one week after squandering that chance after falling to a 1-0 defeat against Newport County at Rodney Parade. A sublime 25-yard strike from Joss Labadie four minutes into the encounter proved the difference as the Exiles climbed to 5th, extended their unbeaten run to four games and all but secured their passage into this season’s play-off pack. The Cambridge United faithful will be hoping it’s a case of third time lucky this weekend, with the sole task of avoiding defeat after their second attempt at securing promotion was cruelly wrecked in a breathtaking 5-4 loss to Harrogate Town on Friday night. The hosts raced into an emphatic three-goal lead with just 20 minutes on the clock - a Brendan Kiernan brace and a Mark Beck tap in leaving United shell shocked. Mark Bonner’s side valiantly clawed two goals back in the space of three minutes through Wes Hoolahan and Luke Hannant, before Kiernan claimed the match ball on the 32nd minute to wrap up a preposterous first half. A Paul Mullin brace to take his tally to a recordequalling 31 goals in a single campaign looked to have handed the U’s their ticket to League One, before Kevin Lokko popped up with six minutes remaining to secure the result for the Sulphurites. Simon Weaver’s side, who went on to win the 2020 FA Trophy on Monday, sit in a creditable 16th. A place and point behind United are Bolton Wanderers, who require maximum points to secure a quick return to the third tier after suffering a 1-2 loss at the death against Exeter City. The Trotters
looked to be on their way after 15 minutes when Gethin Jones drew first blood, but an inspired second half saw the Grecians nick it when Randell Williams and a last-gasp Pierce Sweeney strike put them up to 8th and a point from the top 7 with a superior goal difference. Another cagey game for Ian Evatt’s men, all of their last 13 games have either been edged out by one goal or seen a share of the spoils. Expect more of the same in a topsyturvy afternoon. Morecambe remain in contention for a first promotion to League One after seeing off Walsall 0-2 at the Banks’s Stadium. Cole Stockton’s 12th league goal of the season and a Yann Songo’o header helped to seal a play-off position at the minimum for the Shrimps, an applaudable achievement for a side who have experienced many years languishing near the basement of the division. A win today, alongside a favour from Crawley Town, is what’s required for Derek Adams’ side. Ten-man Forest Green Rovers reignited their playoff push with a battling 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers. Josh Davison and Aaron Collins gave the hosts a secure lead after Ebou Adams’ third dismissal of 2021 upped the tension. A thumping Kieron Morris strike deep into stoppage time was just a consolation for Rovers, who remain a place and two points above Jimmy Ball’s men. Both sides still have work to do in the tussle for the fourth promotion spot. A first defeat in five for Salford City could prove costly as they were well-beaten 1-0 by Colchester United. Josh Bohui capitalised on a first-half sending off for Di’Shon Bernard by scoring his firstever league goal to secure his side’s status in the division. The Ammies, who finished with nine men after Ash Hunter saw red in stoppage time, know a third year in the fourth tier is extremely likely. A late George Tanner strike handed Carlisle United a thrilling 2-3 win against Leyton Orient, their first success in seven. Both sides have enjoyed a steady campaign, sitting 10th and 11th respectively, CAMBRIDGE UNITED F.C. V GRIMSBY TOWN FC