Substitute Steve Maclean, once of fellow promoted outfit Scunthorpe United, made the difference in south Wales as he added to John-Paul McGovern’s strike on the stroke of half-time to equalise efforts from Eifion Williams and John Daly, who had put the Monkeyhangers in front. After the ex-Glasgow Rangers striker had netted an 82nd minute spot-kick, Glenn Whelan and Drew Talbot added goals in extra time to seal a 4-2 win for the Owls.
It means that the Shrimpers will miss out on a trip to Hillsborough, but nonetheless Blues’ fans will be excited by the visit to Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, home of the two-time European Cup winners. Also relegated from the Coca-Cola Championship this season were Kent side Gillingham, historic rivals from across the River Thames, and Rotherham United.
Joining United from League Two are champions Yeovil Town, Scunthorpe United and Welsh team Swansea City, promoted in contentious circumstances as the final three minutes of the Swans’ 1-0 victory at Bury’s Gigg Lane were not played when their supporters invaded the Manchester club’s playing surface. Going in the other direction are Stockport County, Peterborough United, LDV Vans Trophy adversaries Wrexham – the victims of the Football League’s new ten-point deduction for going into administration – and Torquay United, relegated on the last day of the season.
Danny Wilson’s Milton Keynes Dons escaped the drop in that dramatic reprieve, and Blues will make their first visit to the National Hockey Stadium in 2005/6. They will also travel to the White Rock Stadium, the new home of Swansea, next year, as well as renewing hostilities in League fashion with Essex side Colchester United, who have been beaten twice in the last two LDV campaigns by Southend.
Full 2005/6 Coca-Cola League One line-up
Relegated from the Coca-Cola Championship
Gillingham
Nottingham Forest
Rotherham United
Promoted from Coca-Cola League Two
Scunthorpe United
Swansea City
Yeovil Town
Existing Coca-Cola League One teams
AFC Bournemouth
Barnsley
Blackpool
Bradford City
Brentford
Bristol City
Chesterfield
Colchester United
Doncaster Rovers
Hartlepool United
Huddersfield Town
Milton Keynes Dons
Oldham Athletic
Port Vale
Swindon Town
Tranmere Rovers
Walsall
Fixtures for the upcoming season are released on Thursday 23rd June 2005.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com