Bristol Rovers, Burton and Northampton’s nail-biting survival hopes forecast in latest League One final table

Championship relegation strugglers Bristol Rovers finally put an end to their long six-match losing streak by picking an unlikely away point at the Racecourse Ground against automatic promotion hopefuls Wrexham in north-east Wales.

The Gas, who haven’t won an away game since beating Cambridge on 4 January, stormed into an unlikely lead in the 34th minute through a Taylor Moore header. It marked the team’s first goal on the road in five away matches in a run dating back to a 2-1 loss to Northampton on 22 February.

The Pirates looked all set to secure an unlikely victory away from home but were dealt a blow in the 76th minute when Matty James found the back of the net with a composed finish from close distance.

Wrexham probed for a winner but were unable to find the net in a tough afternoon for both teams as Phil Parkinson’s men fell out of the automatic promotion places and Rovers missed an opportunity to climb out of the drop zone.

Three cup finals await Bristol Rovers in the weeks to come, with only goal difference separating themselves from Burton Albion. Ahead of a nail-biting end to the season, we take a look at Opta’s latest predicted table and assess Bristol Rovers’ survival prospects.

The League One relegation battle

Shrewsbury Town are already relegated back to the fourth tier after a miserable campaign which has seen Paul Hirst, Gareth Ainsworth and most recently Michael Appleton all have spells in the dugout at the New Meadow. The Shropshire club, who have spent the past 10 years in League One, have been rooted to the bottom for most of the campaign and are without a win since February.

Crawley Town and Cambridge United are expected to join them in the fourth-tier and essentially need to win all of their remaining games to have any hopes of changing their fate. The Red Devils face Exeter City, Northampton and Shrewsbury and could still have an effect on what goes on at the bottom of the table. Meanwhile, Neil Harris’ side face Leyton Orient, Burton Albion and league leaders Birmingham City.

Bristol Rovers take on Stevenage, Reading and Blackpool in their last three and essentially need to pick up more points than Burton to survive due to the Brewers’ superior goal difference. Burton also have a game in hand against Birmingham before facing Cambridge, Wigan and Charlton Athletic.Northampton could still be dragged into the battle but face Shrewsbury, Crawley and Wigan in a fairly favourable run in.

Bristol Rovers survival hopes assessed

Opta Sport expects Crawley and Cambridge to join Shrewsbury in the drop zone. Crawley have been given a 90.6% chance of dropping into the fourth tier, with Cambridge receiving a telling 98.62% chance of relegation.

Bristol Rovers are also expected to start life in the fourth tier. The Gas are expected to finish in 21st with 46 points which, according to Opta, is likely to leave them two points adrift of Burton with 48 points. Opta give Rovers a 74% chance of relegation while Burton have just a 26.28% chance of demotion. Northampton are not expected to be in any trouble after making strides under Kevin Nolan and have just a 1.12% chance of relegation.

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