Bolton Secure Playoff Spot as Five-Way Battle for Final Places Heads to Final Day

Key facts

• Bolton Wanderers (75 points) are the only team guaranteed a playoff place.
• Stockport County (74 points) need a point at Barnsley to secure their spot after losing 2-1 at home to relegated Port Vale.
• Bradford City (74 points) need at least a draw at Exeter to stay in the top six.
• Stevenage (72 points) can clinch a playoff berth with a win over Wigan Athletic.
• Luton Town (71 points) visit Bolton and must win and hope Stevenage drop points.
• Plymouth Argyle (70 points) need to win at Northampton and hope Stevenage and Luton fail to win.
• Exeter City (49 points) must beat Bradford and rely on other results to avoid relegation.
• Leyton Orient (51 points) face Burton Albion in a do-or-die survival match.

Final Day Drama Unfolds Across League One

The 2025/26 League One season reaches its climax on Saturday, May 2nd, with six clubs still chasing playoff spots and two locked in a battle for survival. While Lincoln City and Cardiff City have long secured automatic promotion, the race for the remaining top-six places has intensified into a five-way contest. At the other end, Exeter City and Leyton Orient will fight to avoid joining already-relegated Northampton Town, Rotherham United and Port Vale in League Two.

Bolton Wanderers Lead the Playoff Pack

Bolton Wanderers, with 75 points, are the only team assured of a playoff berth, but their final opponents remain uncertain. The club will host Luton Town on Saturday, a match that could determine whether Luton keeps its own playoff hopes alive. Bolton’s position at the top of the chasing pack has been secure for weeks, but the sides below have faltered, leaving the race wide open.

Stockport County Face Must-Not-Lose at Barnsley

Stockport County, fourth with 74 points, saw their playoff hopes thrown into doubt after a shock 2-1 home defeat to already-relegated Port Vale on Tuesday. They now need at least a point at Barnsley’s Oakwell to guarantee their place. A loss could be catastrophic, as Bradford City, Stevenage and Luton Town — all with identical goal difference to Stockport — could overtake them with wins. Barnsley, who have won only once in seven home matches, have little to play for, potentially giving Stockport an edge.

Bradford, Stevenage, Luton and Plymouth in Tight Contest

Bradford City, also on 74 points, need a draw at relegation-threatened Exeter to stay in the top six, though a defeat might still leave them in contention. Stevenage, with 72 points, can seal a playoff spot with a victory over Wigan at Broadhall Way. If Stevenage drop points, Luton Town (71 points) and Plymouth Argyle (70 points) could pounce. Luton travels to Bolton, while Plymouth visits already-relegated Northampton. Plymouth manager Tom Cleverley’s side must win and hope both Stevenage and Luton fail to take three points.

Exeter and Leyton Orient Fight for Survival

At the bottom, Exeter City (49 points) and Leyton Orient (51 points) are locked in a two-way battle to avoid the final relegation spot. Exeter must beat playoff-chasing Bradford and hope favourable results elsewhere go their way. Leyton Orient face Burton Albion in a do-or-die encounter. One of these two clubs will join Northampton, Rotherham and Port Vale in League Two next season.

AFC Wimbledon Secure Safety, Huddersfield Stumble

AFC Wimbledon secured their League One status last weekend with a dramatic 1-0 win at Wigan, courtesy of Antwoine Hackford’s 90th-minute goal. They host a Huddersfield side that has failed to win eight of its last nine league matches, offering the Dons a chance to end the season on a high note. Elsewhere, Barnsley and other mid-table sides have little at stake but could influence the playoff and relegation outcomes.

What to Watch For on Saturday

All 12 fixtures kick off at 3:00 pm BST on Saturday. The playoff picture will become clear as results unfold: Stockport must avoid defeat at Barnsley; Bradford needs at least a draw at Exeter; Stevenage can secure its place with a win; Luton and Plymouth require victories and help. In the survival battle, Exeter and Leyton Orient face must-win matches. The final day promises high drama as League One’s regular season concludes.

The bottom line

• Bolton Wanderers are the only team guaranteed a playoff spot; five others compete for three remaining places.
• Stockport County’s playoff hopes are in jeopardy after a loss to Port Vale; they need a point at Barnsley.
• Bradford City, Stevenage, Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle all have mathematical chances on the final day.
• Exeter City and Leyton Orient are in a direct fight to avoid relegation to League Two.
• AFC Wimbledon secured survival last weekend; Huddersfield has struggled recently.
• The final day of the League One season on May 2nd will decide playoff and relegation outcomes.