Football League as it happened

I'll leave you with a full round-up of all the movers, shakers, slippers and sliders on a maths-packed day in the Football League. Hope you have enjoyed it and thanks for all your messages. See you next time.

So who is where on the final day of the League One season? Stevenage are at home to 12th-placed Bury while Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United take on Wycombe and Exeter, both already relegated, respectively.

Stevenage still have control of their own destiny, moving up to sixth and the final play-off spot on goal difference. They may well meet Sheffield United in the play-offs with the Blades now depending on other results if they are to jump up to the second automatic promotion spot. The hosts are third, a point behind neighbours Sheffield Wednesday.

We are injury time on top of injury time...

The ball is out behind for a Stevenage goal-kick and the visitors breath a sigh of relief.

Two minutes to go and Michael Doyle lumps long into the Stevenage box...

Sheffield United are packing the Stevenage box and Chris Day has to keep his eyes on a Kevin McDonald's dipping effort before James Beattie goes close.

James Beattie is within a shinpad of a winner as Chris Day boots away his effort, before Stevenage's Scott Laird heads away from beneath his own bar. Two minutes to go, hold on to your hats.

Kevin McDonald thumps the advertising hoardings with a full-blooded strike that fizzes just wide of the Stevenage post.

Michael O'Halloran is on to Richard Cresswell's knock-down but he can't sort his feet quickly enough and the ball trundles into Stevenage keeper Chris Day's grateful arms.

Stevenage goalkeeper Chris Day is solid behind a low skimming cross and the atmosphere at Bramall Lane deflates a smidge.

Exeter's Paul Tisdale was one of three League One managers to suffer relegation today.

He told BBC Radio Devon: "We've had a while to prepare for the likelihood of relegation, but I'm really pleased with the way we've played over the last month. We still kept going to the last and the way we played today, it could have been a different story.

"I'm a realist and I know we've got a building process to do over the next couple of months, ready for next season. I thought we would do better this year, I would easily look back across the last 12 months, look at the decisions I made and question those decisions."

Hereford manager Richard O'Kelly guided his side to a 3-0 win at Crawley today - although if they are to retain their Football League status, they must beat Torquay next week and hope Barnet fail to win at Burton.

O'Kelly told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "We defended well, kept organised, and the pleasing thing was we were constructive with the ball. We went forward with a bit of quality and that really pleased me.

"I'm a great believer that what you do on the training pitch will transmit into the game. They've got confidence with what they've achieved. We need a good crowd next week at Edgar Street to give us a boost and put the pressure on Torquay."

As it stands remember, Sheffield United would go into the final game two points adrift of Sheffield Wednesday in second, albeit with a much better goal difference. Stevenage would be sixth, two points clear of Notts County.

"Attack, attack, attack attack," implore the home fans and United look like they are going to do exactly that for the final 15 minutes. There are goals left in this one I wager.

Michael O'Halloran lingers a little too long over a shooting opportunity and a Stevenage defender is across to snuff out the shot with a sliding block.

Another big chance for Stevenage as Laurie Wilson's stinging effort is palmed back into the danger zone by Steve Simonsen. Fortunately for the Sheffield United keeper Mark Roberts can not react quickly enough to turn the loose ball back past him and into the net.

Sheffield United have laid siege to the Stevenage goal. It looks a little premature to be throwing such numbers forward though with 20 minutes to go and the hosts are almost outnumbered on the counter again.

Laurie Wilson warms the palms of United keeper Steve Simonsen with a long-range rattler. Still plenty of buzz about the visitors.

Stevenage's Robin Shroot squanders a superb chance, with a little bit of help from Luke Freeman. The midfielder is a little late as he slips in Shroot on a swift counter and his team-mate opts to cut inside the covering defenders. It is a poor option as he is crowded out and his shot is deflected behind.

Veteran Preston midfielder Graham Alexander put the seal on his football career today with a last-minute equaliser in their 2-2 draw with Charlton in his last game before retirement.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It's been a tough decision to make but hopefully it's the right one. I was as nervous coming on today as when I made my debut at 19 because it's such a big thing for me to stop playing football.

"I've lived my dream for so long and now I've had the fairytale ending. I've been unbelievably fortunate over my career to play with so many good clubs and so many good players."

Twenty-five minutes of normal time remain. Stevenage have been staright back down the other end pressing for a third in response to Cresswell's effort.

Lee Williamson drags a shot wide from the edge of the box but the Blades are getting closer. Those changes seem to have got the home fans' seal of approval with the atmosphere bubbling up a notch.

Richard Cresswell is already sniffing around the six-yard box with interest, but has not quite got the legs to reach an inviting cross.

That is the closest that United have come in the second half. Neill Collins gets a meaty head onto Lee Williamson's free-kick delivery but Stevenage's Jon Ashton gets his own bonce in the way to flick it over the top.

Strikers Richard Cresswell and James Beattie are on the bench for Sheffield United and manager Danny Wilson must be tempted.

Almost straight from the kick-off, Stevenage threaten with Robin Shroot lashing over the top from distance.

It's looking gusty out there in Yorkshire, with the majority of the flags pointing towards the end that Stevenage will be defending in the second half. A few stratospheric swirlers might be a useful tactic for the hosts if it stays the same.

The bones of that opening goal have been picked over and, although the ball bobbled between them before finally setting off for the bottom corner, it has been deemed that Stevenage's Joel Byrom did get the final touch ahead of defender Harry Maguire.

Brian Horton has said that it is "highly unlikely" he will stay as manager of Macclesfield following their relegation. "I wanted to be the man that kept them up, not the man that took them down," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"It's highly unlikely that I'll stay with the club going into non-league. I was brought in for nine games and I didn't expect us to go down today. I honestly thought we'd win and take it to the last Saturday.

"I'll sit down with the board on Monday and see what they want me to do. If they want me to take the side to Southend (on the final day of the season) then I will."

It promises to be a tense final day of the season in League Two next week. Only one point separates Crawley, Torquay and Southend who are all in contention for the final automatic promotion place. A win for Crawley at Accrington will realistically be enough to seal promotion because of their goal difference - but anything less could let in either of their rivals.

At the bottom, Barnet fans will be familiar with final day relegation battles - and their destiny will at least be in their own hands as they go to Burton next Saturday. Win and they're safe. But if the Bees fail to win, they will be relegated if Hereford beat Torquay at Edgar Street.

If there is going to be a lot on the line for supporters of the two Sheffield clubs next weekend, there will be plenty to play for in League Two as well. The man behind the (freshly updated) BBC Sport's Ups and Downs page has been on the case...

The home side depart to a bit of a mixed reaction from their fans. A few wobbling nerves, but they should be steadied by their side enjoying the vast majority of possession in the last five minutes.

Just a couple of minutes left in the first half.

Sheffield United have pressed forward well in response to that opener but the Stevenage defence has withstood everything thrown at it so far. Mark Roberts hooks clear Lee Williamson's free-kick.

Harry Maguire is appealing to the linesman, the referee and anyone who will listen for a Sheffield United penalty after his attempt to nod the ball back across goal from the far post looks like it is blocked by Mark Roberts' stray arm. Maguire is getting no joy though as his protests are waved away.

That goal would leave Sheffield Wednesday two points clear of United in second heading into the final day if it proves to be the only one of the game. United's goal difference is vastly superior to their neighbours' though.

Stevenage's Laurie Wilson is gving the linesman a hearty chunk of his mind after being flagged against for tugging back a defender.

Stevenage are starting to gain the upper hand. Patrick Agyemang puts the ball across, but he could really do with being on the end of a cross himself.

Luke Freeman is looking lively for the visitors and his heavily-deflected shot from 20 yards spits just inches wide of the Sheffield United post.

Stevenage's Luke Freeman weaves his way to the edge of the box before laying the ball into the path of Robin Shroot, but his team-mate screws his shot off target after being forced wide.

Twenty minutes on the clock, a bit early for an 'as it stands' check, but let's not let that stop us. Sheffield United would trail Wednesday by a point heading into the final day, Stevenage would be kept out of the play-off spots on goal difference.

Lee Williamson swipes a volleyed chance over the top as he tenses up 18 yards out. It would have had to have been a heck of a hit though with the ball bouncing awkwardly around waist height for the United midfielder.

Jamaal Lascelles is the 18-year-old full-back tasked with keeping Sheffield United's Stephen Quinn quiet. It has been a tough ask so far.

Kevin McDonald pumps the ball into the Stevenage box once more but his hoisted pass floats clear over the head of United team-mate Chris Porter.

Stephen Quinn bends another superb cross around his full-back, but none of his team-mates are quite on the right wavelength and the ball skims harmlessly across the face of the Stevenage goal.

A spritely start to the game with neither side needing to be asked twice when presented with a sight of goal. Michael Doyle chances his arm from 20 yards, but a deflection takes the sting out of his effort as it bounces tamely through to Chris Day.

Stevenage's Luke Freeman lets fly from distance. There is plenty of power behind it, but the 20-year-old has got underneath it a little and it whistles over the top.

The left foot of Stephen Quinn again pulls apart the Stevenage defence with a raking cross, this time from the right. Chris Porter is stretching at the far post but can't quite wrap his foot around it.

Stevenage are hunting their third successive promotion which would take them to the Championship from the Conference in double quick time. Manager Gary Smith is left shaking his head after the visitors waste their first corner though.

A raucous atmosphere at Bramall Lane, buoyed by a confident start by the home side.

A superb chance for United to take the lead in the very opening stages as Stephen Quinn whips across a dangerous ball from the left, but neither Michael O'Halloran or Chris Porter can give it the scoring touch it deserves.

It will come down to the final day either way with Sheffield Wednesday at home against relegated Wycombe while United play away at another doomed side, Exeter.

White, red and black balloons are punched into the air in the stands as the teams emerge. They could have been into a promotion party by the end of this match had Wednesday lost against Brentford. Champers firmly back on ice.

Sheffield Wednesday's win away to Brentford has thrown down the gauntlet to Sheffield United. The Blades have to beat Stevenage to reclaim the second automatic promotion spot. Stevenage meanwhile can leapfrog back over Notts County in sixth with a draw. Kick-off is only four minutes away at Bramall Lane.

Let's round up what more we know since we kicked off at 1500 BST.

In League One, Exeter,Chesterfield and Wycombe followed Rochdale down as the relegation issues were all tied up. Just the final automatic promotion spot and the last play-off spot to be decided on the final day.

In League Two Swindon are champions, Shrewsbury are up with Macclesfield dropping through the trapdoor.

A fairytale finish to Graham Alexander's career - the veteran midfielder, playing his last game before retirement, scores an equaliser in stoppage time to give Preston a 2-2 draw against Charlton.

Alan Connell hits a fifth for Swindon who lead Port Vale 5-0 in their League Two title celebration party. Plenty of goals flying in away from our featured games - Bristol Rovers are beating Accrington 5-1, Colchester lead Tranmere 4-2 and Rochdale have pulled one back at Spotland - they trail Milton Keynes Dons 2-1.

Ben Burgess puts Cheltenham 3-1 up against Bradford and on course for the play-offs, while Jake Cassidy pulls one back for Tranmere who now trail 3-2 at Colchester.

Paul Benson grabs his second of the game for Swindon and Aden Flint adds a fourth - they lead Port Vale 4-0, and Paolo di Canio's side can start uncorking the championship champagne. Elsewhere in League Two, Morecambe have come from behind and are leading Plymouth 2-1.

Bristol Rovers now lead Accrington 4-1, while veteran Tranmere defender Ian Goodison has scored at the wrong end to leave the Wirral club trailing 3-1 at Colchester.

Cheltenham take the lead for the first time against Bradford, James Spencer scoring his second to put the Robins 2-1 up. With play-off rivals Oxford still losing 2-0 at home to Southend, the Cheltenham fans can start booking their play-off tickets.

Whether your side is battling to win promotion, avoid relegation or is lingering in mid-table mediocrity, you can watch all this afternoon's goals on the Football League Show on BBC One and the BBC Sport website at 2355 BST.

Paul Benson hits a second for Swindon, who are 2-0 up against Port Vale - the League Two trophy engraver can start warming up unless Vale score twice.

Jordan Burrow equalises for Morecambe, who are now drawing 1-1 with Plymouth, while Tranmere pull a goal back and are 2-1 down at Colchester.

Cheltenham are the first team to score in the second half, they're now level at 1-1 against Bradford, and as things stand, that would be enough to cement their League Two play-off place. Meanwhile, in League One, Colchester are 2-0 up against Tranmere.

A few more goals have flown in just before the break - in League Two, Bristol Rovers now lead Accrington 3-1, while Northampton are 1-0 up against Gillingham. Meanwhile, in League One, Donal McDermott has given Bournemouth the lead at Scunthorpe.

In League Two, Matt Harrold has grabbed his second of the afternoon, this time from the penalty spot - Bristol Rovers lead Accrington 2-0, while Rotherham are now 2-1 up at Aldershot, and Southend have doubled their lead and are 2-0 up at Oxford.

Southend are already nailed on for the play-offs but have kept their very faint automatic promotion hopes alive by taking the lead at Oxford, while Rotherham have been pegged back and are now level at 1-1 at Aldershot.

In League Two, Matt Harrold has put Bristol Rovers ahead against Accrington, but a mid-table finish is guaranteed for both teams.

League One champions Charlton have taken the lead at Preston through Danny Haynes.

Also in League Two, Gareth Evans has kept Rotherham's faint play-off hopes alive with a penalty to give them the lead at Aldershot.

In League Two, play-off hopefuls Cheltenham have gone behind at home to Bradford.

We're going to concentrate on the vital games at the top and bottom of Leagues One and Two, but we'll mention the other games if we have the chance - such as at Colchester, where the U's have just taken the lead against Tranmere.

Elsewhere in League Two Plymouth lead away to Morecambe through Luke Young.

If you want a recap on all that, I know I will, then the Football League up and downs are laid out for you on BBC Sport's handy guide.

One other Football League-related issue on which to keep you posted: Luton have clinched the final Conference play-off place with a 2-0 win at champions Fleetwood.

So, there will be four former League clubs in the play-offs looking to reclaim their status as a member of the 92 Club - Wrexham face Luton, while Mansfield take on York.

At the bottom of the Football League it is two from three for the drop. Macclesfield will go down if they lose to Burton and Barnet avoid defeat against AFC Wimbledon, or if they draw and Barnet win. Hereford will go down if Barnet win and the Bulls fail to win.

In League Two, the focus is on Shrewsbury. They will be promoted if they beat Dagenham & Redbridge, or if Torquay fail to beat Crewe, or if Crawley lose to Hereford. A draw is enough for the Shrews if Torquay and Crawley both fail to win. And Crawley will be promoted if they win and Torquay lose. Got all that?

Stevenage at home will be a testing final hurdle for Sheffield United. The visitors have kept in the hunt for the play-offs despite manager Graham Westley's defection to Preston earlier in the season.

Victory for the side formerly known as Borough, combined with anything less for both Carlislie and Notts County, would secure them a top-six spot.

Southampton striker Rickie Lambert: "All the goals I scored this season didn't matter, we had one objective this season to get up and we have done it."

At the bottom of League One, Chesterfield will be down and out if they lose at Yeovil and a draw will not be enough if Walsall avoid defeat against Huddersfield. Even victory won't be enough if Walsall and Leyton Orient win. In three words, it looks grim.

Sheffield United will follow runaway leaders Charlton into the Championship if Sheffield Wednesday lose at Brentford and the Blades beat Stevenage in the day's late kick-off at 1720 BST.

United will be as good as up if they win and Wednesday draw, with a 12-goal swing required for the Owls to snatch second on the final day.

Anything less than victory for United though, and a Wednesday win will carry them into pole position for second.

You may have heard that there is a bit of Mancunian pride at stake on Monday evening in the Premier League. There has been a bit of fuss about it apparently. Before that local skirmish though, there is a League One showdown in the Steel City.

There are some crucial games in the top flight today. If you want a quick scout on the teams that Southampton and Reading will be facing next season, then the Premier League live text commentary is up and running. I want you back here sharpish mind.

"Three years ago this summer I was sitting in the garden of a former Southampton director and he told me that the club was five days from liquidation. Markus Liebherr then took over, Nigel Adkins has won two successive promotions, they have got a fantastic stadium and I think a lot of people will be pleased for them. I think they and Reading, like Swansea and Norwich, will be a credit to the Premier League."

A quick manual refresh is what you need now UK users. Final Score will be front and centre which I know is what you want to see.

The second play-off semi-final will see fifth-placed Blackpool take on fourth-placed Birmingham. That first leg is at Bloomfield Road is 4 May with Cardiff entertaining West Ham the day before. Get planning.

"The Premier League is a top division where we all want to play - I feel like I've got unfinished business here, so my message to the lads will be to grab the opportunity with both hands."

"The basis of the Norwich and Swansea sides that have gone up have kept them in the Premier League - you can't buy 11 players. But the financial backing here at Southampton is quite substantial so you'd think they can stay up."

"You've seen this season how Norwich and Swansea have come up and played good football, and their managers aren't big-time - Southampton can be like that."

"A lot of people have put a lot of hard work in here - the players deserve all the plaudits they'll get as everyone at this club has worked their socks off since I've been here. Southampton are back in the Premier League, and I'm a happy man - I'm proud and honoured."

Millwall have made it 2-2 at home to Blackpool, which drops the Seasiders to fifth place below Birmingham - Ian Holloway's side are now set to be at home in the first leg of their play-off semi-final against the Blues. Danny Webber has equalised for Leeds who are now drawing 1-1 with Leicester.

Birmingham midfielder Wade Elliott is a lifelong Southampton fan and may just be celebrating tonight - his penalty has just put the Blues 2-0 up against champions Reading, and he will have the chance to join Saints in the Premier League when they face Blackpool in the play-offs.

Meanwhile, a goal at each end at Turf Moor means Burnley are drawing 1-1 with Bristol City, Ipswich are 3-1 up at Doncaster, and Peterborough are level at 1-1 at Derby.

The club record crowd of 32,363 has just been announced over the stadium PA system at St Mary's and the home fans give themselves a big self-congratulatory cheer.

Thirteen minutes of normal time remain at St Mary's and Southampton are closer to adding to their lead than being pegged back as goalkeeper Joe Murphy plucks a cross off the forehead of Rickie Lambert.

Blackpool have taken the lead and are now 2-1 up at Millwall, while Dexter Blackstock has put Nottingham Forest 1-0 up against Portsmouth at the City Ground.

It is a story that will get lost in Southampton's celebrations but BBC Sport's Ian Shoesmith has taken an in-depth look at the Sky Blues' plight.

"Coventry are having to dig so deep here that two of their young players on the field are not even listed on the back of the match programme."

Bit of an unwelcome surprise for Bristol City against Burnley though where David James has gone off injured and, with no goalkeeper on the bench, defender Liam Fontaine has taken up the gloves. Everyone loves an outfield player in goal, no?

Cardiff look to have locked down the the final play-off spot after those early worries following Wilfried Zaha's opener at Selhurst Park. No last-day surprises in the Championship as it stands then...

Billy Sharp is limping towards the sidelines momentarily after copping a high foot from Conor Thomas in a sliding challenge. He is up and running now though.

On Twitter: "Southampton are getting ready for the big time. Prawn Sandwiches in the press room already."

West Ham are keeping the heat up on the Saints. It looks like it is going to be in vain though. Sam Allardyce has withdrawn Carlton Cole to keep his powder dry for the play-offs, but could a Coventry goal get Southmpton shaking? No sign of it as yet at St Mary's...

Guily Do Prado has been bombing on whenever he can for Southampton and he arrives in the penalty box with another late run but can only direct his header over the top.

"First 10 minutes, we were a little bit cagey, but now we're showing what a very good side we are. This stadium needs to be in the Premier League, that's where we deserve to be, and hopefully the second half will be as good as the first."

So, if we expected Southampton to turn over the doomed Sky Blues, the biggest story in the Championship at the half-time point might be Cardiff who are in danger of slipping out of the top six. They are alright as it stands, but if Middlesbrough get their noses in front at Vicarage Road and Palace cling on for the win against the Bluebirds, it is seventh for the Welsh side.

Apologies if any of you have had trouble with the Match of the Day feed on the website - it's fixed now, please manually refresh the page if you have any problems.

So Southampton fans, is it too early to plot the Premier League plan? Rickie Lambert is Grant Holt, Adam Lallana is Wes Hoolahan, Nigel Adkins is Paul Lambert and Southampton are the new Norwich right?

"Billy Sharp has been a great signing for Southampton, he's lethal from close range. With good quality up top, an old-fashioned 4-4-2 can get you out of this league."

"I feel a bit sorry for Coventry it is a youth team out there, I have older grandchildren! They play the game in the right way, but they just lack the muscle to match Southampton."

Southampton finish the half with Coventry pinned back in their own penalty box and all is well on that part of the south coast.

In another mid-table battle, Martyn Waghorn gives Leicester a 1-0 lead at Leeds.

A quick bit of admin on that Southampton opener where Billy Sharp has been awarded the goal rather than Adam Lallana. I suspect slightly more people might have him down as first scorer on their betting slip so hopefully brings joy to some.

Rickie Lambert, hunting his 28th Championship goal of the season, sees a shot blocked at point blank range as the ball breaks invitingly for him from Danny Butterfield's cross.

After a week of heavy showers across the UK, it's raining goals at the Keepmoat Stadium, where Doncaster have pulled one back and now trail Ipswich 2-1.

Southampton are still straining for a third, but they leave a little bit too much space at the back and Jose Fonte has to hurry across to lever Oliver Norwood off the ball as he canters towards goal.

Adam Rooney has given Birmingham the lead against Reading, which pretty much cements them in fourth place. Their likely play-off opponents will be Blackpool, for whom Ian Evatt has just equalised at Millwall to make the score 1-1. Elsewhere, Ipswich are now 2-0 up at Doncaster.