In a drama-filled final day of League One action, Stevenage secured the last playoff place with last-minute heroics at the expense of Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town. Meanwhile, champions Lincoln City made history with the longest unbeaten run in the third tier, Cardiff City lost in a nine-goal thriller, and at the bottom of the table, Exeter City’s 2-1 defeat to Bradford City confirmed their relegation to League Two.
GK – Filip Marschall – Stevenage
As Stevenage secured the final playoff place in dramatic fashion, Marschall was once again a standout at the other end of the pitch. The goalkeeper pulled off numerous vital saves to keep the playoff dream alive in a crucial 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic.
RWB – Lasse Sørensen – Huddersfield Town
The Dane has been an ever-present in the Terriers’ lineup this season during what has been a disappointing campaign overall. However, in Saturday’s 4-0 demolition of AFC Wimbledon, Sørensen showed his class with a well-timed finish and constant attacking contributions down the right-hand side.
CB – Charlie Goode – Stevenage
In a vital 1-0 win that saw Stevenage secure a playoff place in the 90th minute, Goode was stellar once again. Much like most of the season, the experienced defender drove the team forward and produced a vital clearance off the line.
CB – Joe Wright – Bradford City
The 31-year-old was vital as Bradford City beat Exeter City 2-1 to confirm the Grecians’ relegation to League Two. Wright was excellent in both boxes, confident on the ball and produced several key interventions throughout the match.
CB – Sonny Bradley – Lincoln City
Arguably a player of the season contender, Bradley has shown his experience and danger in both boxes all year. In Saturday’s 2-0 win over relegated Port Vale, he once again showed his class with numerous defensive headers, helping the Imps secure a record-breaking unbeaten run.
LWB – Lucas Akins – Mansfield Town
The veteran scored twice as Mansfield Town beat promoted Cardiff City 5-4. At 37, Akins showed great experience not only with his two goals but also with his leadership and versatility in Nigel Clough’s side.
CM – Louis Reed – Mansfield Town
A hat-trick of assists for the 28-year-old midfielder in what was a pulsating game at the One Call Stadium. Reed was easily man of the match as the Stags won 5-4 over promoted Cardiff City, showing great control in midfield and an eye for getting his side up the pitch.
CM – Oliver Norwood – Stockport County
The 35-year-old EFL Team of the Season midfielder topped off yet another stellar campaign for the Hatters. He produced a commanding display on the ball and capped a strong performance for County with a 71st-minute penalty as they beat Barnsley 3-1.
LAM – Lorent Tolaj – Plymouth Argyle
In what was a disappointing afternoon for Argyle as they missed out on the playoffs at the hands of Stevenage, Tolaj finished off what has been a stellar campaign. He scored and assisted in a 3-2 win over Northampton Town, taking his season tally to 18 league goals.
ST – Billy Sharp – Doncaster Rovers
In his final game in a Rovers shirt, Sharp, at 40, scored a well-taken hat-trick against Peterborough United. Now having scored a hat-trick in his 20s, 30s and 40s, the veteran showed the clinical finishing that has defined much of his career in the second tier.
RAM – Alfie May – Huddersfield Town
Since his arrival in Yorkshire from Birmingham City, it has been a campaign of inconsistency for the forward. However, Saturday’s final-day statement win over AFC Wimbledon saw the 32-year-old score twice while assisting George Sebine for his first senio goal.
