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Football tips

National League Playoffs: Stockport value in the battle for promotion

Chesterfield can claim vital first-leg lead at Meadow Lane

Stockport striker John Rooney
Stockport striker John RooneyCredit: Clive Brunskill

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the National League playoffs including Notts County v Chesterfield.

Where to watch

Notts County v Chesterfield
BT Sport 1, 4pm Saturday

Best bets

Stockport County to win the playoffs
1pt 7-4 general

Chesterfield to beat Notts County
1pt 12-5 Betfred

Playoff preview

The most congested season in National League history will draw to a close this month with the playoff system to determine who will be promoted alongside league winners Sutton United. A campaign that usually begins in August didn’t kick off until October, and 42 games later, six teams are still in with a chance of promotion to the EFL.

The brutal nature of the season means that the second and third-placed teams are at an extra advantage than in any ordinary year. Not only do they have one game fewer to play, but they have an extra week off to prepare.

As a result, Stockport County may be best equipped to come through the playoffs and secure promotion back to the Football League.

The Hatters made some shrewd additions to their squad last summer such as Liam Hogan from Salford City and had the best defensive record in the division, conceding just 32 goals throughout the campaign.

They also have John Rooney and Alex Reid who can cause problems in attacking areas and the mercurial Paddy Madden will be sure to feature if he can prove his fitness. Side with Stockport to safely navigate the playoffs and return to the Football League.

Notts County v Chesterfield

A tight encounter looks likely in the first National League elimination game. Only a point separated Notts County and Chesterfield in the final league table, but the story of their seasons couldn’t have been more different.

Notts County were consistent throughout the season, while Chesterfield lost seven of their first nine games. The Spireites occupied a spot in the relegation zone before new manager James Rowe galvanised them to win 19 of their remaining 33 matches and reach the playoffs.

In both of these teams' meetings this season, the away side came out victorious by a single goal and it looks set to be another close tie.

However, Notts County will be without enigmatic forward Cal Roberts and have had a harder season than their rivals after their deep FA Trophy run.

Chesterfield are on a fine run after a brilliant end to their league campaign, while County suffered playoff heartache last season and could succumb to the same fate again.


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Joe CaseyRacing Post Sport

Published on 4 June 2021inFootball tips

Last updated 17:23, 4 June 2021

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