Stevenage Can Seal League 1 Playoffs Place With Wigan Win
Stevenage can secure a place in the league 1 playoffs with a win over Wigan at Broadhall Way on Saturday, May 2nd. The 2025/26 League One final day will decide which four of six playoff hopefuls move on, and Stevenage are one of the clubs still alive.
Broadhall Way and Wigan
A victory over Wigan would settle Stevenage’s place without needing help elsewhere. That makes Broadhall Way the most direct route for them on the last day, with only four of the six clubs in the chase able to go through by the end of business on Saturday.
The pressure around Stevenage comes from the same crowded group that includes Bolton, Stockport, Bradford, Luton and Plymouth. Bolton already have their place after a 1-1 draw at Bradford last weekend, so the fight now turns to the clubs still needing a final result to finish the job.
Stockport and Bradford
Stockport’s position is far less secure after a 2-1 home loss to Port Vale on Tuesday evening. Their playoff hopes could be shattered at the death if they lose to Barnsley at Oakwell, while Bradford need a point to guarantee they keep hold of a playoff position.
That leaves Saturday with tight margins at both ends of the table. Bradford are not only chasing a place in the next phase of the promotion race; they are also the opponent standing in Exeter’s way as the Devon club tries to climb out of danger on the final day.
Exeter and Leyton Orient
Exeter City and Leyton Orient are locked in a two-way skirmish for survival ahead of their do-or-die matches with Bradford and Burton Albion. Exeter need a win against Bradford, plus favourable results elsewhere, to avoid the drop, while Orient go into their final game after a 1-0 loss to Blackpool in which they managed only one shot on target.
Recent results have sharpened the stakes. Exeter drew 3-3 with Stockport in their last home fixture, Leyton Orient have failed to score in each of their last three matches, and Burton are safe after their 1-1 draw with Exeter last week, a result that was Burton Albion’s fourth draw in five games.
There is no room for drift on Saturday. Stevenage control their own route into the league 1 playoffs, but the final-day picture still depends on who holds up under the pressure at Broadhall Way, Oakwell and the other fixtures carrying survival and promotion on the same afternoon.
