Tonight's games (1/3/2022)

[Andy K]

Lots of games happening tonight, although it's mathematically impossible for us to drop out of a play off spot, it it possible we drop a place as Newport are playing (although they are hosting FGR). Both those sides, like us, have had a bit of dip in form.

The fixtures tonight don't have many other play off contenders involved, but Port Vale and Bristol Rovers do play and Vale could nudge themselves into 7th if they win by 2 goals and Newport lose. Newport avoiding defeat will see them overtake at least Swindon into 7th, but a win will take them 4th (an indication of how tight things are at the moment).

More action at the bottom end with Carlisle, Barrow, Oldham, Colchester and Leyton Orient all in action - the latter two face each other, and if results go a certain way Barrow could find themselves in the bottom 2 for the first time this season.

Our next 2 league opponents are also playing, with Rochdale travelling to the aforementioned Carlisle (that's a nice scouting trip for someone on a Tues night!) and Walsall make the shortish journey to Northampton.

FWP predict the following results

Bristol Rovers 1 0 Barrow
Carlisle United 0 1 Rochdale
Colchester United 1 0 Leyton Orient
Crawley Town 1 0 Oldham Athletic
Harrogate Town 1 1 Port Vale
Newport County 2 2 Forest Green Rovers
Northampton Town 1 0 Walsall

[VCLXI]

All drawing currently other than Carlisle.

[davep]

Tobi has scored for Carlisle again.

[kpinwp]

Not a bad set of results for us.

Pleased for Tobi.

[Del]

Bristol Rovers & Carlisle were the big winners tonight. Rovers making a push for the play offs now.

[Andy K]

However unlikely it will be, we can still finish on 93 points, although much more likely is us being unable to finish bottom of the league. We need a further 6 points to make it mathematically impossible to finish bottom.

7 wins should see us in a play off spot out of 13. We're yet to play 5 of the other top 10 sides.

In PPG, it's very close between us, Tranmere and Northampton, but looking at that table, neither of those sides sit in automatic promotion - they are replaced by Exeter and Mansfield. Aside from how close the points are, this season may well be decided on goal difference, and it's all painfully close.

Aside from our superb season (which wherever we end up will be nothing but successful), the league as a whole is really exciting for a neutral.

[is4]

Another big game Friday night.
Exeter v Mansfield.
Both with games in hand.

[is4]

Should have been.
Mansfield v Exeter.