Alious
The domestic league season may have wrapped up for many clubs, but the drama in the Football League is far from over. This weekend’s play-off clashes across the Championship, League One, and League Two delivered high-stakes football, contentious moments, and major statements of intent as clubs battle for promotion glory.
While title celebrations have been underway for the likes of Leeds, Burnley, Wrexham, and Doncaster, a host of others still have promotion firmly in their sights. Let’s take a look at how the weekend unfolded.
Championship Play-Offs: Blades and Black Cats Take Command**
Sheffield United took a commanding lead in their semi-final clash with Bristol City, storming to a 3-0 win on Thursday night. A pivotal red card for Rob Dickie shifted the momentum early, and the Blades capitalised with goals from Harrison Burrows, Andre Brooks, and Callum O’Hare. With the second leg at Bramall Lane, it will take a near miracle for Bristol City to recover.
On the opposite side of the draw, Sunderland pulled off a surprise result to beat Coventry City 2-1 away from home, snapping a dismal five-game losing run. Wilson Isidor gave the Black Cats the lead, only for Jack Rudoni to quickly equalise for Coventry. However, a late strike from Eliezer Mayenda gave Sunderland the edge heading into Tuesday’s return leg, where they’ll be confident of progressing on home soil.
League One Play-Offs: Controversy Sparks VAR Calls
League One’s play-off action began in chaotic fashion, particularly in the clash between Leyton Orient and Stockport County, which ended 2-2. The major talking point? A clearly offside goal from Charlie Kelman that stood, sparking outrage and intensifying the debate around the lack of VAR in EFL play-offs. Officials later claimed there was a deflection that played Kelman onside, but the controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a thrilling encounter.
Sunday’s other semi-final, between Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic, was far less entertaining. The match ended in a goalless draw at Adams Park. Wycombe fans praised the defensive structure introduced by Mike Dodds, while Charlton supporters bemoaned a lack of attacking quality and officiating inconsistencies. The second leg at The Valley will need a spark to avoid a similarly drab showing.
League Two Play-Offs: Walsall Hit Their Stride
In the League Two semi-finals, Walsall took a significant step toward Wembley with a 2-0 away victory at Chesterfield. A first-half penalty from Taylor Allen set the Saddlers on their way before Alfie Chang, on loan from Birmingham City, doubled the lead with a composed finish.
Meanwhile, AFC Wimbledon edged past Notts County with a narrow 1-0 win in a closely-fought encounter. They’ll take that advantage into the return leg and look to maintain their momentum as they seek promotion to League One.
Looking Ahead
With the second legs looming this week, the play-off picture remains intense. Sheffield United and Sunderland will look to finish the job in the Championship, while everything remains in the balance in League One. Walsall, meanwhile, are in pole position in League Two—but as always in the EFL, nothing is certain until the final whistle blows.
Alious
