With just one game remaining in the regular season, the league’s top sides once again demonstrated their dominance with convincing victories over the weekend. Meanwhile, Stevenage, Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle continue to battle intensely for the final play-off place, separated by just two points. At the other end of the table, misery continues for Exeter City, who now sit two points from safety heading into the final game of the season.
GK – Jack Bycroft – Exeter City
Bycroft was once again a solid figure between the sticks for Exeter City as the Grecians looked to avoid the drop to League Two. The keeper pulled off numerous saves and provided vital stability to help secure a valuable point away at Burton Albion, moving Exeter two points from safety heading into the final game of the season.
RB – Tendayi Darikwa – Lincoln City
Darikwa has been the absolute rock of a well-organised Lincoln City side that has now been promoted to the Championship for the first time in 65 years. On Saturday’s 4-3 win over Wycombe Wanderers, the Imps skipper showed defensive stability whilst scoring yet another hard-driven finish after capitalising on defensive indecisiveness.
CB – Mads Andersen – Luton Town
Andersen has been ever-present at the back for Luton Town this season and once again showed his value to Jack Wilshere’s side during their 2-1 win over Barnsley. The Dane displayed great intelligence both in and out of possession, even assisting Kasey Palmer for the winning goal.
CB – Carl Piergianni – Stevenage
tPiergianni was once again standout in the Sevenage backline during Saturday’s 1-1 draw away at Doncaster Rovers. The big defender produced numerous clearances and recoveries, ensuring Borough look set to secure the final play-off place.
LB – Joel Bagan – Cardiff City
Bagan, the Cardiff City academy graduate, has enjoyed an impressive first season of regular first-team football. In Saturday’s 5-1 win over Northampton Town, the left-back showed his class with his capacity to get up and down the wing, helping the Bluebirds to a dominant victory.
CM – Josh Scowen – Wycombe Wanderers
Despite the 4-3 defeat at league champions Lincoln City, Scowen was arguably the man of the match for Wycombe Wanderers. The midfielder provided a goal and an assist, with Wycombe showing good quality but ultimately lacking cutting edge, as highlighted post-match by manager Michael Duff.
CM – Regan Hendry – Mansfield Town
Hendry was highly impressive as Mansfield Town overcame a consistently poor Huddersfield Town side with a 4-1 victory in a five-star display for the Stags. The Scot grabbed a second-half goal and looked dominant in the middle of the park throughout the contest.
RM – Ollie Tanner – Cardiff City
Tanner has enjoyed his best season in front of goal to date, with his tally standing at three goals and 11 assists this campaign. In Cardiff City’s 5-1 win against already-relegated Northampton Town, the 23-year-old showed his quality and danger down the right-hand side as the Bluebirds secured an immediate return to the Championship.
CAM – Louie Barry – Stockport County
In what has been an inconsistent third spell at Stockport County, Barry showed exactly why he has been highly regarded throughout his career. The Aston Villa loanee scored a hat-trick and posed a constant threat as County overcame Peterborough United 3-1.
LM – Reeco Hackett – Lincoln City
Hackett has been sensational in his third season at the LNER Stadium for Lincoln City. Saturday’s 4-3 win over Wycombe Wanderers featured a great flurry of attacking quality, particularly through the Saint Lucian international, who scored a penalty and a delightful effort from outside the 18-yard box as Lincoln lifted the league trophy.
ST – Bim Pepple – Plymouth Argyle
Pepple has enjoyed a breakout season at Home Park for Plymouth Argyle this term. His brace against relegated Port Vale on Saturday took his league tally to 16 goals and showcased his all-round impressive display up front, as the Pilgrims look to secure the final play-off place in next weekend’s season climax.
