As the League One season nears its end, Cardiff City secured an immediate return to the Championship with victory over play-off contenders Reading. The rest of the top six all drew, keeping the play-off race neck-and-neck. At the bottom, already-relegated Northampton Town stretched their unbeaten run to five games, while Rotherham United showed promise, and AFC Wimbledon were pulled closer to Exeter City in the fight to avoid the final relegation place.
GK – Bailey Peacock-Farrell – Blackpool
It has been a disappointing season for Blackpool, who sit 16th and far below the expectations of their supporters. However, a hard-fought 1-0 away victory at Wycombe Wanderers saw Peacock-Farrell deliver a commanding performance, producing several crucial saves to help the 10-man Tangerines secure three valuable points on the road.
RWB – Perry Ng – Cardiff City
Ng continued to impress as an all-round full-back, finding the net in Cardiff City’s 3-1 victory over play-off contenders Reading. His blend of attacking threat and defensive reliability has been a key feature of Barry-Murphy’s side as they sealed an immediate return to the Championship.
CB – Eoin Toal – Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers captain Toal remains a leading contender for Player of the Season as the Trotters remain in the play-off places. In Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Huddersfield Town, the experienced centre-back scored and provided vital leadership to help his 10-man side claim a hard-earned point.
CB – Alex Mitchell – Plymouth Argyle
Charlton Athletic loanee Mitchell has established himself as a fan favourite at Home Park this season thanks to his passion and defensive solidity. In Plymouth’s 3-1 away win at AFC Wimbledon, he delivered another composed display at the back while opening the scoring to keep Argyle firmly in the play-off picture.
CB – Matthew Pearson – Doncaster Rovers
Pearson has been a model of consistency for Doncaster Rovers throughout a strong campaign. In Saturday’s 3-1 victory over already-relegated Northampton Town, the experienced defender capped an excellent performance with his first league goal of the season.
LWB – Malik Mothersille – Stockport County
Mothersille has endured a difficult season following his high-profile summer move from Peterborough United. However, the 22-year-old showed flashes of his best form in Stockport County’s 3-3 draw with relegation-threatened Exeter City, contributing with both a goal and an assist.
CM – Ryan Wintle – Cardiff City
Wintle produced a standout midfield display, registering two well-taken assists as Cardiff City defeated Reading 3-1 to clinch promotion back to the Championship. The former MK Dons man was everywhere on the pitch, anchoring the midfield with composure and quality in what was a complete team performance.
CM – David Kasumu – Huddersfield Town
Kasumu delivered a match-winning performance in Huddersfield Town’s pulsating 3-3 draw away at Bolton Wanderers. The 26-year-old midfielder scored twice with clinical finishes, showcasing his attacking threat and playing a pivotal role in securing a valuable point for the Terriers in an entertaining end-to-end contest.
LAM – Omari Kellyman – Cardiff City
Chelsea loanee Kellyman is enjoying an impressive first full EFL season, taking his goal tally to nine with a goal and an assist in Cardiff City’s 3-1 win over Reading. His dynamic contribution helped the Bluebirds secure an immediate return to the Championship against play-off hopefuls.
ST – Lorent Tolaj – Plymouth Argyle
Swiss striker Tolaj continued his excellent form by finding the net in Plymouth Argyle’s 3-1 away victory at AFC Wimbledon. The goal took his season tally to 20 as Argyle maintained their push to overtake Stevenage for the final play-off spot.
RAM – Kasey Palmer – Luton Town
Hull City loanee Palmer has experienced a mixed half-season at Kenilworth Road. However, Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Mansfield Town highlighted his Championship pedigree, as the Jamaican international scored and provided an assist for Shayden Morris in an encouraging display.
