Bolton, Stockport, Bradford, Stevenage, Luton and Plymouth Battle for League One Play-Off Spots on Final Day

Key facts

• Bolton Wanderers (75 points) are the only team guaranteed a play-off place.
• Stockport County (74 points) need a point at Barnsley to secure their spot after losing 2-1 to Port Vale.
• Bradford City (74 points) require at least a draw at Exeter to stay in the top six.
• Stevenage (72 points) will clinch a play-off place if they beat Wigan Athletic.
• Luton Town (71 points) visit Bolton and must win and hope Stevenage drop points.
• Plymouth Argyle (70 points) must win at Northampton and hope Stevenage and Luton fail to win.
• Exeter City (49 points) and Leyton Orient (51 points) are locked in a relegation battle; one will join Northampton, Rotherham, and Port Vale in League Two.
• All 12 fixtures kick off at 15:00 BST on Saturday, May 2nd.

The Final Day Showdown

The 2025/26 League One season concludes on Saturday, May 2nd, with six clubs still harboring play-off hopes and two fighting for survival. Only Bolton Wanderers, on 75 points, have secured their place in the end-of-season shootout. The remaining five spots are up for grabs among Stockport County, Bradford City, Stevenage, Luton Town, and Plymouth Argyle. At the bottom, Exeter City (49 points) and Leyton Orient (51 points) are locked in a two-way skirmish to avoid joining already-relegated Northampton Town, Rotherham United, and Port Vale in League Two. Exeter must beat play-off chasing Bradford and hope for favorable results elsewhere to stay up.

Bolton Secured, Others Scramble

Bolton Wanderers are guaranteed a play-off berth with 75 points, but their final-day opponents Luton Town still have everything to play for. Stockport County, fourth on 74 points, saw their hopes falter on Tuesday with a shock 2-1 home defeat to already-relegated Port Vale. They now need at least a point at Barnsley to book their place. Bradford City, also on 74 points, need a draw at relegation-threatened Exeter to stay in the top six. A defeat could still see them through if other results go their way, but they will not want to leave it to chance.

Three-Way Tug-of-War for Final Spot

Stevenage, on 72 points, can seal a play-off place with a victory over Wigan Athletic at Broadhall Way. If they drop points, the door opens for Luton Town (71 points) or Plymouth Argyle (70 points). Luton travel to Bolton and must win while hoping Stevenage fail to take three points. Plymouth, under Tom Cleverley, need to win at already-relegated Northampton and hope both Stevenage and Luton drop points. Goal difference could be decisive: Stockport, Bradford, and Luton all have identical goal differences, adding an extra layer of tension to the final day.

Relegation Battle: Exeter vs Leyton Orient

Exeter City and Leyton Orient are the two teams fighting to avoid the final relegation spot. Exeter, on 49 points, must beat Bradford and hope Leyton Orient lose to Burton Albion. Leyton Orient, two points clear, can secure survival with a win or a draw if Exeter fail to win. Northampton Town, Rotherham United, and Port Vale have already been relegated, but the identity of the fourth relegated club will be decided on Saturday.

Other Fixtures and Implications

AFC Wimbledon, who secured survival last weekend with a dramatic 1-0 win at Wigan through Antwoine Hackford’s 90th-minute decider, host Huddersfield with the pressure off. Huddersfield have failed to win eight of their last nine league matches. Barnsley, with little to play for, host Stockport County. Barnsley have won only once in seven home matches, which could give a more motivated Stockport the edge. Bolton vs Luton is another key fixture, with Luton needing a win to keep their play-off hopes alive.

What Comes Next

The four play-off semi-finalists will be confirmed after Saturday's matches, with the winners advancing to the final for a chance at promotion to the Championship. For the relegated teams, preparation for League Two begins immediately. The drama of the final day will determine which clubs extend their seasons and which face the disappointment of falling short.

The bottom line

• Bolton Wanderers are the only team guaranteed a play-off place; five other clubs compete for the remaining three spots.
• Stockport County, Bradford City, Stevenage, Luton Town, and Plymouth Argyle all have a chance to reach the play-offs.
• Exeter City and Leyton Orient are battling to avoid relegation; one will join Northampton, Rotherham, and Port Vale in League Two.
• Goal difference could be decisive in the play-off race, with Stockport, Bradford, and Luton level.
• All 12 League One fixtures kick off at 15:00 BST on Saturday, May 2nd, with drama guaranteed across the division.