Portsmouth boss’s message ahead of Lincoln City game good news for Barnsley Suddenly…
A number of teams head into the final weekend of the League One season knowing they need to win their games to secure a place in the play-offs.
Barnsley (75 points) and Lincoln City (74 points) currently occupy the final two spots in the top six ahead of the final round of fixtures. Seventh place Oxford United are just behind the Imps on goal difference, while Blackpool are a point behind them in eighth.
The Imps face the highest placed team in the competition this weekend, as they welcome champions Portsmouth to the LNER Stadium. The South East club secured the title last week, and were defeated 2-1 by Wigan Athletic in their following game. Ahead of their trip to Lincolnshire, Pompey boss John Mousinho stated his side would not be taking their foot the throttle this weekend.
The 37-year-old told the News: “We’ve been off Monday and back in Tuesday and Wednesday. We had a reintroduction day on Tuesday, because I think the boys were physically drained and probably mentally drained, but it’s important we don’t completely take our foot off the gas, because of the integrity of the league and there are teams with points to play for.
“It was a pretty good thing Wigan were safe and had nothing to play for last weekend and we’re safe in terms of our position. “This weekend is different though, because there are plenty of sides who are looking for that final play-off position with Lincoln moving into sixth.
“So it’s for us to do it right and give us the best possible chance to build a bit of momentum going into next season.”
The champions aim to go out with a bang against Lincoln, but the home side have their own play-off aspirations.
John Mousinho has promised to respect the league’s integrity against Michael Skubala’s men. Here’s how we think his side will line up.
The Seasiders’ 3-2 victory over Barnsley at Bloomfield Road on Saturday, leaves them just two points off the fifth place Tykes, who have sacked manager Neill Collins this week ahead of their home game against Northampton Town.
Just below the Yorkshire outfit by a point in sixth is Lincoln City, who moved above Oxford United on goal difference following last weekend’s result, with the two clubs taking on Portsmouth and Exeter respectively in their final outings.
Blackpool striker Jake Beesley has been involved in final day drama in the past, and insists the main focus out on the pitch will be purely on beating the team in front of them and continuing their recent four game winning run.
