The EFL play-offs: Which League One and League Two teams will reach Wembley?
As the Sky Bet League One and League Two play-off semi-final first legs take place this weekend, we look at the clubs preparing to battle it out for a place at Wembley.
Leyton Orient and Stockport kicked off the play-offs with a thrilling 2-2 draw in their League One semi-final first leg match. Charlie Kelman netted a late penalty for Orient, while Stockport manager Dave Challinor described Leyton Orient’s opening goal as ‘the worst decision I’ve seen in 15 years’.
According to Sky Sports, Kelman had given Orient a controversial lead from an offside position in the first half, before Stockport hit back in the second period with a quick turnaround through Ollie Norwood’s penalty and a Fraser Horsfall header.
The second leg of the semi-final between Leyton Orient and Stockport will take place on Wednesday, May 14, at 8pm, live on Sky Sports.
Wycombe Wanderers will face Charlton Athletic in the other League One semi-final. Sky Sports reports that Wycombe have been pushing hard to get back to the Championship since their relegation in 2020/21. They reached the play-off final in 2021/22 but were beaten by Sunderland.
Wycombe manager Sky Sports noted that Wycombe had a strong start to the season, topping the league at one point, but their form dipped after the departure of manager Matt Bloomfield.
Charlton, on the other hand, have shown a remarkable turnaround in form under manager Nathan Jones. According to Sky Sports, they have taken 63 points from the last 29 games of the season, which would have been title-winning form if sustained throughout the campaign.
In the League Two play-offs, AFC Wimbledon took a big step towards the final with a 1-0 first-leg victory at Notts County. Riley Harbottle’s second-half header was the difference between the sides.
The second leg of the semi-final between Notts County and AFC Wimbledon will take place on Saturday, May 17, at 12:30pm, live on Sky Sports.
Chesterfield and Walsall will face each other in the other League Two semi-final. Sky Sports reports that Chesterfield have been impressive despite injuries, with attacking midfielder Liam Mandeville shining and Will Grigg scoring in each of the last three games.
Walsall, on the other hand, have had a rollercoaster season. According to Sky Sports, they were 12 points clear at the top of the league at one point but dropped off dramatically, missing out on automatic promotion by a single point.
The second leg of the semi-final between Chesterfield and Walsall will take place on Friday, May 16, at 8pm, live on Sky Sports.
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