There was joy for Rotherham United as they clinched promotion to League One on Saturday afternoon, but it was heartbreak for Aldershot Town and Barnet.
Promotion – Gillingham, Rotherham United and Port Vale
Despite a 3-2 defeat at Burton Albion, Martin Allen’s Gillingham had already been crowned champions and eventually finished four points ahead of Rotherham United, who clinched promotion with a 2-0 home win against Aldershot Town. Port Vale had already secured their place in League One for next season, but were held to a 1-1 draw at Wycombe Wanderers.
Playoffs – Burton Albion, Cheltenham Town, Northampton Town and Bradford City
Due to Rotherham collecting three points, Burton’s win against the Gills means they will have to settle for a playoff place after finishing in fourth position. They will take on Bradford City, who will be hoping for a second trip to Wembley this term following their League Cup final outing in February, for a place in the final. The other semi-final will be contested by fifth place Cheltenham Town and Northampton Town, who finished sixth.
Relegation – Aldershot Town and Barnet
As many as six clubs were facing the dreaded drop as the season came to an end, with Aldershot eventually taking bottom spot after their defeat at Rotherham. Andy Scott’s side will be joined in the Blue Square Premier next term by Edgar Davids’ Barnet, who slumped to a 2-0 loss against Northampton Town to allow AFC Wimbledon to leapfrog them with a 2-1 win at home to Fleetwood Town. York City avoided relegation with a 1-0 victory at Dagenham & Redbridge, who only survived due to a better goal difference than Barnet. And results involving rival sides also allowed Plymouth Argyle to stay up despite defeat at Rochdale, and Torquay United to escape with a 3-3 draw against Bristol Rovers.
