The Betfred League One play-offs start this weekend with five sides battling it out to reach to Betfred Championship. Here is a closer look at both games taking place this weekend.
Doncaster will host Oldham in the qualifying play-off on Sunday in a fixture that will be shown live on the Sportsman.
The Dons finished the season in third with 14 wins from 18 matches. Richard Horne’s side were defeated in the League One play-off final last year and will be hoping to go one better this year.
Doncaster have won their last seven home matches, one of which was a 26-22 success earlier in the season.
Doncaster captain, Sam Smeaton has been a key player for them this season. The skipper has scored 19 tries and topped the charts in the entire league.
Oldham head to South Yorkshire looking for their first away win at Doncaster since May 2010.
The Roughyeds finished the season in fourth place, with 12 wins and a draw from their 18 league matches.
Despite not defeating Doncaster away this season, they did get the victory in the most recent meeting.
Mike Ford’s side have some very experienced big game players, who could have a big say on their final outcome. Patrick Ah Van and Martyn Ridyard have been crucial to the Roughyeds this season.
The winner of the contest will face Hunslet next week, with the victor of that game securing a place in the League One Play-off Final. The defeated side will play the winner of the other game from this weekend.
The other fixture this weekend will see Workington Town face North Wales Crusaders in an elimination play-off.
Workington have won both meetings this season, however, both games have been tight with the combined winning margin coming to 10.
Town finished fifth in the table in their first season back in League One, following their relegation from the Championship in 2022.
Ciaran Walker ended the regular season with 179 points, which was the second most in the division, only behind Doncaster’s Connor Robinson.
North Wales looked for a while like they would miss out on the play-offs, however, they were able the get the final spot.
The Crusaders have had a mixed season with 7 wins from 18 matches, however, they will head into the match on the back of consecutive wins with two home wins against Doncaster and London Skolars.
Rob Massam ended the season with 12 tries, which was the most of any North Wales players.
One side will progress into the next stage, while the other will see their 2023 season come to an end.
Sunday
- Doncaster v Oldham – 3PM – Live on the Sportsman
- Workington Town v North Wales Crusaders – 3PM
