Soccer Central

Little over two months ago; Burton Albion was 19 points out in front at the top of the Blue Square Premier, and looked an absolute certainty for promotion. Today the Burton fans were still biting their nails though as the title race went right down to the wire, with second placed Cambridge United still in with a chance of taking the title.

In order for Cambridge United to win the title; they had to rely on Burton Albion losing away at Torquay, and also had to make up a goal difference of 5. As it turned out; Burton Albion did indeed lose at Plainmoor, Cambridge United was unable to secure a win over Altrincham though, and Burton therefore won the league by 2 points.

Never in Burton’s history has the team ever played in the Football League before; that’s all set to change now though, and after 7 seasons in the Conference, Burton Albion has now won promotion to League Two.

Torquay United sealed their place in the play-offs with their win over Burton today, and will now face Histon in the play-off semi-finals for the chance to play either Cambridge United or Stevenage Borough at Wembley. It was at the semi-final stage that Torquay lost out last season, defeated by ultimate winners Exeter City, a team that is now one win away from automatic promotion to League One.

Elsewhere in the league today; Kidderminster Harriers and Oxford United were also hoping to make the play-offs, both teams lost though, and therefore finished in 6th and 7th respectively. The relegated teams had already been decided, it was a big day for those chasing promotion though, and sadly for Oxford especially; they had to face final day defeat in front of a bumper crowd of 10,298. Oxford United had to rely on results going their way in order to reach the play-offs; Torquay would have had to have lost, and Kidderminster could achieve no more than a point. As well as results going their way; Oxford also had to win their game against relegated Northwich Victoria though, and as Northwich was able to win a sixth game running, Oxford’s promotion hopes and dreams were therefore destroyed.

Burton Albion has finished the Blue Square Premier season very badly this season, and it’ll be interesting to see how the team copes in League Two. Nigel Clough was there to watch his old team secure the title today; he left before the final whistle though, and as soon as news was in that the Cambridge game was over and had ended in a draw; Clough was off, content that his former club had secured the title. It all went wrong for Burton after Nigel Clough left the club for Derby County back in January; Burton has still been able to secure promotion though, and now has games against such clubs as Bradford, Bournemouth, and Darlington to look forward to next season.

Many congratulations to Burton for reaching the Football League, and in the Blue Square Premier next season we also have some new teams to look forward to; Luton Town and Chester City will be the two teams joining the division from League Two, whilst AFC Wimbledon have won promotion form the Blue Square South, and Tamworth from the Blue Square North.

Best of luck to Burton Albion for life in the Football League next season, and good luck also to whichever team it is that ends up winning the play-offs. Torquay and Cambridge will both be looking to re-enter the Football League, Histon and Stevenage meanwhile will like Burton be hoping to join the ranks of the Football League for the first time in their history.