League Two Play-off Final 2015: Date, Start Time, Live Stream and Preview
May 23, 2015
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Fans make their way to the stadium ahead of the FA Cup Semi Final between Arsenal and Reading at Wembley Stadium on April 18, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
As the focus falls on Chelsea as they lift the Premier League trophy, and the tussle for relegation from England's top flight concludes, Southend United and Wycombe Wanderers will do battle on Saturday at Wembley to see who will win the League Two play-off final.
Both sides were the highest placed play-off finishers in the table, defeating Stevenage and Plymouth Argyle, respectively, to progress to the showcase match.
Here is how you can watch the final, with streaming and TV information:
HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Gareth Ainsworth manager of Wycombe Wanderers celebrates as his team reach the final after the Sky Bet League Two Playoff semi final match between Wycombe Wanderers and Plymouth Argyle at Adams Park on May 14, 2015 in High
Wycombe and Southend were just a solitary point from automatic promotion this season in League Two, so it is fitting both teams will contest the highly anticipated 2015 play-off final.
The Chairboys were convincing winners in their semi-final as they defeated Plymouth over two legs, taking the win 5-3 on aggregate.
Paul Hayes was once again the inspiration for his side, after hitting 14 goals during the regular campaign, per BBC Sport.
The player scored in the eighth minute of the second leg to destroy Plymouth's hopes after their initial 3-2 loss at home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwXec-29MfE
However, Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth believes his team are the underdogs in the final. Speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio (h/t BBC Sport) about his side's chances, he said:
It's been great to have a lack of pressure. We're going into it as an underdog, hopefully to cause an upset, It's just brilliant to be here—the boys are riding the crest of a wave and seeing how far it's going to take us.
We're going to approach this game like the previous two games—with a consistent level of attacking football.
Despite Ainsworth's assertions, Southend were forced to fight their way back from behind as they beat Stevenage 4-2 on aggregate after being taken to extra time to make their passage to Wembley.
SOUTHEND, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Barry Corr of Southend United (front) celebrates with team mates as Michael Timlin scores their third goal during the Sky Bet League Two Playoff semi final match between Southend United and Stevenage at Roots Hall on May 14, 2
But Will Atkinson agrees he and his Southend team-mates have the advantage, having played in finals at Wembley in the past, as quoted by Chris Phillips of the local Echo newspaper:
A lot of the lads at Southend are still in and around the team from the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final, so hopefully that can work to our advantage at the weekend. It’s everyone’s dream to play at Wembley and I’m lucky to have played there before a couple of times.
But it will be a real big honour to go with this group of lads, this team and club and I just hope we can do the job because winning the play-offs is the best way to win promotion.
During the season, Southend were not prolific scorers compared to their peers, only hitting the back of the net 54 times in 46 games, per BBC Sport.
However, Wycombe were much more potent—scoring 67 times on their way to fourth position, having a superior goal difference over Southend after both finishing on 84 points.
It could be the allure of Wembley which raises individual performances on Saturday—but the fact Southend have experience on this stage previously could be vital.
The grand stadium can effect the confidence of certain players, and knowledge of the atmosphere will be vital.
But Wycombe are the team with the sufficiently better firepower, and in Hayes they have an attacker who can cause Southend major issues.
If the player can find the performance level he showed in the semi-final, Wanderers might find themselves in League One next season.
Cheltenham Town Fan Helps Fund Sign to Troll Manchester United
If it's publicity Cheltenham Town are going for, then mission accomplished.
For better or worse.
The League Two side took a particular amount of joy in Manchester United's 0-0 FA Cup draw at Cambridge last Friday.
A Cheltenham Town fan started a campaign to increase attendance and publicity around the club.
All Murry Toms needed was £650 to erect a sign claiming that the club is better than Manchester United—a team that is currently 81 places ahead of Cheltenham Town. And it succeeded!
Toms said, per BBC Radio Gloucestershire (via Project Babb):
It's going to go in the centre of the town so people can see it and we get more people going at Whaddon Road. It's great to put a couple of posters up but it's even better to see hundreds of Cheltenham fans getting excited about the club.
Maybe people don't go because it's too expensive or think the quality of football isn't great. But I don't think that's important. I still think people should get up to Cheltenham and get behind the team.
Well then. Cheltenham Town did indeed defeat Cambridge United 2-1 on October 14, 2014.
More than three points, it apparently gave them bragging rights over a Premier League giant.
Last week, social media took great delight in pointing out that Daniel Sturridge appeared to sign his new Liverpool contract on a blank piece of paper.
Upon closer examination, we’d like to congratulate Daniel Sturridge on signing a blank piece of paper! The dream… pic.twitter.com/S4drEb7XhJ
Cheltenham Town appear to have gone one better (or should that be one worse) by having their latest signing pose for the cameras signing a blank table.
The League Two club completed a loan move for Wolves player Eusebio Bancessi and decided this was the picture to release on their official Twitter account.
It almost seems such a poor job that we wonder if it was all actually a clever ruse to generate some publicity on the back of Sturridge's gaffe?
If so, consider it mission accomplished.
Edit: 16:00 UK time
It seems that Cheltenham have deleted their original tweet but you can find the picture they first tweeted below.
They also finally tweeted the actual deal being signed.
The moment you've always been waiting for: the actual contract is signed by Eusebio Bancessi! #ctfcpic.twitter.com/fGgg1vH2Bz
Burton Albion vs. Fleetwood Town: Score and Recap from League Two Final 2014
May 26, 2014
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 26: Antoni Sarcevic of Fleetwood celebrates with team mates after scoring direct from a free kick during the Sky Bet League Two Playoff Final between Burton Albion and Fleetwood Town at Wembley Stadium on May 26, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Fleetwood Town beat Burton Albion 1-0 at Wembley Stadium on Monday in the League Two play-off final to earn promotion for the first time in Club history, as shared by the BBC:
Antoni Sarcevic scored the only goal of the match, a sloppy affair that really caught fire in the final half hour.
Fleetwood dominated early, wit Iain Hume and David Ball getting shots off on the goal of Dena Lyness. Per OptaJoe, their dominance in the shots category wasn't all that surprising:
The Cod Army seemed determined to score early to avoid the Brewers finding a rhythm, but following an unsuccessful opening 20 minutes, the pace of the match completely dropped.
Arseblog's Tim Stillman was stunned at the lack of enthusiasm on the pitch, given promotion was on the line:
Both teams seemed happy to go into half-time tied at 0-0, but it was Albion who came out on fire in the second half, as fans saw a complete mirror image of the first 45 minutes.
The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg liked how Burton started pressing higher and higher up the pitch, as the team went looking for the decisive goal:
Shane Cansdell-Sherriff had the best chance for the Brewers, but his header from close range just missed the target.
The match seemed destined to be on its way to extra time, but a horrible mistake from Lyness would give Fleetwood the lead with just 15 minutes left on the clock.
Sarcevic whipped in a free-kick to no-man's land, and the Brewers' stopper came off line, missed the ball completely and had to watch horrified as the cross ended up in the back of the net.
Squawka immediately made the comparison to a similar mistake made just a few days ago:
Chris Maxwell seemed shaky on the other side of the pitch as well, nearly missing a routine cross before recovering just in time. Burton then started pressing even more, with just 10 minutes left to save promotion to League One.
The Cod Army tried to seek a liberating second goal, but Hume was just caught offside as he looked to make his way on goal unhindered.
Burton now dominated possession, but it didn't lead to any major opportunities within regulation, with four minutes added on. Nathan Pond blocked multiple crosses, capping off a sensational season for the defender, and when the final whistle blew, it was time for Fleetwood to celebrate.
For captain Mark Roberts, it was a moment of personal glory, as he told the BBC's Phil Cartwright how the hard times he suffered through at Northwich motivated him to achieve what his team accomplished on Monday:
It's those moments that drive you on and remind you of the reality of what could be. It's made me who I am as a player and as a person.
Those experiences, however negative they may seem at the time - you might not be getting paid, you're waiting for your wages to pay the mortgage and you're wondering where the next pay cheque is going to come from - they're also the things that drive you.
For Burton, it's the second consecutive season that ends in heartbreak, as the team made the play-offs last year as well, only to lose in the semi-finals. The future is still very bright for the Brewers, however, and they will get the chance to improve on this year's result next season.
Fleetwood Town will play League One football for the first time in club history, and the Cod Army are quickly turning into one of the ultimate Cinderella stories in British football.
Competing with the more experienced and better-funded clubs in League One will be hard for the young team, and they wouldn't be the first to be relegated just one year after winning promotion. But given their track record in recent years, they have every reason to believe they'll be able to survive in League One.
League 2 Final 2014: Burton Albion vs. Fleetwood Town Live Stream and Preview
May 26, 2014
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 27: The stadium roof is open for the first time before the npower League two play-off final between Cheltenham Town and Crewe Alexandra at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)
The prize of League One football awaits either Burton Albion or Fleetwood Town at Wembley Stadium on Monday afternoon, as the League Two play-offs reach what’s set to be a thrilling climax.
Both sides scraped through their respective semi-final ties to earn their shots at promotion, and they’ll be looking to take leaves from the books of Queens Park Rangers and Rotherham United, who recorded priceless victories to secure promotion at the English national stadium on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
The stage is set for the Brewers and the Cod Army, with destiny just 90 minutes, 120 minutes or penalty kicks away.
Whether it’s Burton or Fleetwood that climb the famous Wembley steps to hold the League Two play-off trophy aloft, there’ll be first timer in English football’s third tier next season.
FLEETWOOD, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 02: Steven Schumacher of Fleetwood Town (lifted) celebrates with team-mates after scoring the second goal during the Sky Bet League two match between Fleetwood Town and Newport County at Highbury Stadium on November 02
Fleetwood have enjoyed an astonishing rise to prominence over recent years. Having played in the Conference North just four seasons ago, they are chasing their sixth promotion in 10 years.
The Cod Army were liquidated back in 1996. Club president Jim Betmead resurrected Fleetwood in 1997, and they’ve enjoyed an unstoppable surge up the divisions since.
Looking back at the club’s darker days, Betmead said that the very thought of Fleetwood playing in the Football League back then was nothing short of crazy, per The Independent:
“When I re-formed the football club, if I’d said we were going to go into the Football League, they’d have carted me away in a straitjacket.”
However, that’s the reality that Betmead and his beloved club have earned, but they face a tough task in reaching League One against a Burton side looking to expel the ghosts of last season’s play-offs.
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - MAY 05: James Hanson of Bradford is celebrates after scoring during the npower League Two Play Off Semi Final: Second Leg match between Burton Albion and Bradford City at Pirelli Stadium on May 5, 2013 in Burton-upon-Trent,
The Brewers were defeated by eventual champions Bradford City in last year’s semi-finals, but even back then, manager Gary Rowett claims that he knew they’d be back in the promotion hunt 12 months later, as he told BBC Sport:
After Bradford last year I said I believed this team could get promoted next year. It wasn't hot air, I wasn't trying to spin it for the players or the fans—it's genuinely what I believed. We worked all summer and all season for that, so we are certainly not going to take the game lightly. It's only a great occasion if you win—that is the message I will get across to the players.
With League One football within touching distance for Burton, Rowett and his players will need to dig deep and show the football world why they’ve earned a reputation as grinders.
Let’s not forget, this is the side that once held a star-studded Manchester United to a 0-0 draw back in 2006, and they showed similar resilience when they went down to 10 men in the play-off semi-final first leg against Southend United this year.
With their 1-0 victory in the home leg proving the crucial scoreline on the Brewers’ road to Wembley, it may well be that Burton will turn to their heart and passion to be the driving force behind promotion.
Key Stats and Prediction
Per WhoScored.com, Burton have won 50 per cent of their matches against Fleetwood in all competitions, with two victories coming this season.
The Brewers won 3-2 at Highbury Stadium in the third week of the League Two season and also triumphed over the Cod Army in the second round of the FA Cup.
SOUTHEND, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Marcus Holness of Burton Albion celebrates scoring the 1st goal with team-mates during the Sky Bet League 2 Play Off Semi Final second leg match between Southend United and Burton Albion at Roots Hall on May 17, 2014 in Southe
However, Burton won just one of their last five matches heading into the play-offs and have endured a worrying recent spell away from home.
Gary Rowett’s side’s last victory away from the Pirelli Stadium came back in early March—a run that has seen the Brewers fail to take maximum points on the road on seven occasions.
Contrastingly, Fleetwood won their last three matches away from home.
FLEETWOOD, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Fleetwood fans celebrate at the final whistle during the Sky Bet League Two play off Semi Final second leg match between Fleetwood Town and York City at Highbury Stadium on May 16, 2014 in Fleetwood, England. (Photo by Jan K
Though the Cod Army came fourth this season, the club finishing in that spot in League Two has been promoted just once since 2005.
Burton top scorer Billy Kee has scored two goals in his last three games against Fleetwood.
Prediction: Burton Albion 2-1 Fleetwood Town
Chesterfield vs. Peterborough United: Preview for Johnstone's Paint Trophy 2014
Mar 30, 2014
SWINDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: The Peterborough United players celebrate their 4-3 win on penalties after Tommy Rowe converted the winning penalty during the Johnstone's Paint Southern Area Final Second Leg match between Swindon Town and Peterborough United at the County Ground on February 17, 2014 in Swindon, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Forty-eight teams from the Football League’s bottom-two tiers started their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy campaigns back in September, with the promise of a Wembley date for the finalists driving them through the competition.
Now, just two teams remain as Northern Section winners Chesterfield showdown with Southern champions Peterborough United on the hallowed turf of the national stadium.
Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough will be red-hot favourites heading into Sunday’s match, being a division above the Spireites in League One, but they won’t need reminding that anything can happen in a cup final.
Paul Cook has seen his Chesterfield side march to Wembley in confident fashion, conceding just four goals en route to the final, including three in their area final, per SoccerWay.
The Derbyshire side are challenging for automatic promotion from League Two in what’s been a fruitful campaign for the Spireites, but their form going into the JPT final has been somewhat troubling.
CHESTERFIELD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Chesterfield players celebrate after reaching the final of the Johnstone's Paint Northern Area Final match at Proact Stadium on February 18, 2014 in Chesterfield, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
In their last seven matches, Chesterfield have managed just two league victories, one of which came on Tuesday evening at home to mid-table Morecambe.
It was a win that manager Paul Cook hailed as “huge” during a recent interview with BBC Radio Sheffield, as reported by BBC Sport:
"I feel great. Sunday is going to be a special day for everyone and my job is to make sure that our players turn up. The league has overtaken everything that we do and Tuesday's win over Morecambe was huge for us after a couple of indifferent results. It will be a very proud moment for me to walk out with the team at Wembley.”
The 47-year-old isn’t the only one looking forward to Chesterfield's appearance at the famous stadium, with winger Gary Roberts’ excitement apparent via his Twitter feed:
Roberts scooped the League Two Player of the Year award for his services to the Spireites’ cause over the season, and he’ll be a key player if Chesterfield are to produce a scalp on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Posh are enduring a similar dip in form since securing their place at Wembley through a penalty shoot-out victory over Swindon Town in the Southern Area Final.
Ferguson’s men have recorded just three wins in their last eight matches and come into Sunday’s final off the back of two successive defeats.
In footballing terms, the name Ferguson and silverware go hand in hand, and the Peterborough boss will be looking to emulate the success of his father, Sir Alex.
Ferguson, who returned to the Posh hot seat in 2011 after an initial spell from 2007-2009, has won plaudits for the way in which he’s led his side into League One play-off contention this season.
One of the Scotsman’s masterstrokes during his tenure has been the signing of Britt Assombalonga from Watford for a club-record fee during the summer.
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: Daniel Jones of Port Vale and Britt Assombalonga of Peterborough United challenge for the ball during the Sky Bet League One match between Port Vale and Peterborough United at Vale Park on October 12, 2013 in Stoke o
The 21-year-old has scored 27 goals in all competitions this season for the London Road club, and after enduring the disappointment of being on the losing side with Southend United last year he’s determined to set the record straight—as he told the official JPT website:
“It was great to play at Wembley last season but the result was a setback. It’s all about trying to put that right this season and get the victory which would mean a lot for the club and the fans. It’s a great feeling going back to Wembley. It’s every boy’s dream to play there and for me to do it twice at a young age is brilliant.”
With such glorious settings for a final, you can’t blame the Peterborough stars for soaking up everything the 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium has to offer before the big day—which JPT showed us via Twitter:
Team news and prediction
Chesterfield have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s final, however, they will be without midfielder Danny Kearns.
The 22-year-old is on loan from Peterborough and is therefore ineligible. Otherwise, Cook has a full-strength squad at his disposal.
Meanwhile, Ferguson named a heavily changed side during Peterborough’s midweek defeat to Preston North End and is set to recall several players, including captain Tommy Rowe.
According to the Football League’s official website, Posh will be without loanees Nicky Ajose, Conor Washington, Jack Baldwin and Ben Nugent, who are all cup-tied following their appearances for their parent clubs earlier in the competition.
While Chesterfield are pushing toward promotion to League One, the quality that Peterborough have at their disposal could prove too much for them on the day.
Posh have been a figure of inconsistency this season, but have ground out results in scrappy affairs, which Sunday’s final is likely to be.
In Assombalonga, the League One side have a lethal striker who knows his way to goal, and he could prove the difference at Wembley.
