Thirteen matches to go, so it's not too taxing to compile the old run-in spreadsheet. Looking at Colchester, Charlton and Swindon (Huddersfield and Millwall aren't out of it, but we're nine clear of them...), it's clear things are going to get tight.
Charlton have the hardest run-in, playing five of the top seven. Honestly, I think they've had their run and although we'll need to be on our game for the penultimate match of the season at The Valley, they're the least of our worries. Away on the last day to an Oldham side that could need a win to stay up, they look set for the play-offs. Colchester are the real concern. Playing four of the top seven (like both us and Swindon), they finish with an easy home fixture against mid-table Leyton Orient. They've also got the easiest run of fixtures coming up - Brighton, Carlisle (who'll be more worried about the JPT final ten days later), Walsall, Wycombe and Exeter. Their next games - Millwall, Swindon and Carlton - could be crucial for us. Swindon are the dark horses. They lost two or three games early in the season to late goals, but seem to have bucked up. Although they still draw a lot, they haven't lost in the league since 12th December. The good news? They're now playing the extra game and after Bristol Rovers on Saturday, they're away three games on the trot - MK Dons, Brighton and Southampton - before entertaining Norwich then coming to ER after playing away again at Hartlepool. That road-trip will be crucial. Interestingly, if all the remaining fixtures end up in the same result as the same ties earlier in the season, it would finish: Leeds 92pts Colchester 87pts Swindon 81pts Charlton 80pts So it's worth noting that Swindon play 3/4 matches against the top seven away from home, Charlton 3/5 and Colchester and us 2/4. That confirms Colchester as the key threat. Wouldn't it be ironic if Aidy Boothroyd does for us again - probably through the boots of David Prutton! Best, Richard -------------------- Richard Young Freelance writer and editor 079 4108 1739 http://web.mac.com/richardjgyoung/ _______________________________________________ the Leeds List is an unmoderated mailing list and the list administrators accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors. Leedslist mailing list [email protected] http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist and the hardest time in a sailor's day is to watch the sun as it sails away
