On your marks for a tension-filled run-in

ATHLETIC have a tougher run-in than any of their main relegation rivals, statistics suggest.

Between now and the end of the season, John Sheridan’s men face six sides currently in the top half of Sky Bet League One.

Their fixtures are trickier than those of the four clubs they are trying to chase down — Doncaster, Blackpool, Chesterfield and Fleetwood.

On paper, the club with the easiest task of the five appears to be Blackpool. Neil McDonald’s side has only three teams to play that are currently in the top 12: Southend, Rochdale and Wigan.

Near-neighbours Fleetwood aren’t too far behind. Their fixtures feature Crewe — surely doomed after last week’s 2-1 home loss to Blackpool — on the final day of the campaign.

In such a tight division, every club right down to Swindon in 14th will harbour at least some hope of getting into the constantly changing play-off positions.

Shrewsbury’s recent form suggests their current 45 points will be improved soon enough to steer them clear of danger.

Peterborough’s victory over Doncaster has given them the leg-up needed to realistically stave off fears of the drop, while Bury in 15th have probably done enough to plan for next season.

As it stands virtually every fixture has something riding on it. It all promises an exciting, tension-filled conclusion to a season full of surprises.

And Athletic will hope they can turn the tables on their rivals.



Remaining fixtures Athletic: Burton (A), Chesterfield (H), Swindon (H), Walsall (H), Barnsley (A), Fleetwood (A), Southend (A), Crewe (H), Millwall (A), Coventry (H). Average league

position of opponents: 10.6

Doncaster: Colchester (A), Blackpool (H), Rochdale (A), Bury (A), Wigan (H), Chesterfield (A), Coventry (H), Crewe (A), Burton (H). Average league position of opponents: 13.6

Blackpool: Bury (H), Doncaster (A), Southend (H), Colchester (H), Rochdale (A), Fleetwood (A), Wigan (H), Peterborough (A). Average league position of opponents: 14.6

Chesterfield: Fleetwood (H), Athletic (A), Port Vale (H), Barnsley (A), Sheff Utd (H), Doncaster (H), Swindon (A), Bury (H), Bradford (A). Average league position of opponents: 14

Fleetwood: Chesterfield (A), Swindon (A), Peterborough (H), Southend (A), Athletic (H), Millwall (A), Blackpool (H), Walsall (A), Crewe (H). Combined score: 14.4