Lincoln City had long been crowned champions of League Two, however that didn’t mean there was no drama on the final day of the 2018-19 season. Lincoln had been crowned Champions on the 22nd April, but apart from that, the top was still wide open with any team from 11th place downwards able to sneak into the final playoff spot, while only Bury were assured of joining Lincoln automatically in League One next season. As expected there was plenty of drama.
Mansfield began the day in the final automatic promotion spot, ahead of the MK Dons on Goal difference (their opponents), while both Forest Green & Tranmere were within striking difference (even if Tranmere needed a big swing in goal difference). As it transpired the MK Dons won with a second-minute goal so grabbing the place. Neither Tranmere or Forest Fggreen managed to win but their playoff places were safe anyway.
The final playoff place looked to be going to Colchester United at half time as they had raced into a 3-0 lead at champions Lincoln who to be fair to them put in plenty of effort. Newport was losing while Exeter were being held 0-0. Thus providing Lincoln didn’t pull any goals back they were on their into the playoffs. However, Newport grabbed an 87th-minute equaliser meaning they took that final spot.
At the foot of the table, Yeovil was already relegated after 16 seasons in the Football League, however, the final place was between Notts County – the oldest professional team in the world and founder members of the Football League back in 1888. To avoid falling out of the league for the first time in their history County needed to win and hope Macclesfield lost (or drew if County won by a hatful of goals). For 66 minutes it looked like the miracle was about to happen with Cambridge winning 1-0 at Macclesfield and County 1-0 up at Swindon. However, thing changed in the space of a few minutes as first Macclesfield equalised and then Swindon struck twice in 5 minutes to seal their fate. The final score ended up being 3-1 as Swindon scored again in injury time. They will be hoping for a quick bounce back – however as many a club will attest -the Conference is now a tough league so they may have to spend a few seasons rebuilding before they return to what was their home for the last 157 seasons.
