League Two: Stevenage promoted while Hartlepool relegated

Stevenage have been promoted to League One following a victory over Grimsby Town with Hartlepool United relegated to the National League despite victory over Barrow.

Boro confirmed their move up to the third tier after a 2-0 win with Jamie Reid opening the scoring at the Lamex Stadium with just under an hour gone. Reid then turned provider as he set up Luther Wildin to increase Stevenage’s lead and seal an eventual victory.

Northampton Town could have been joining Stevenage in securing promotion today but will have to wait until the final day of the season. The Cobblers were defeated 2-1 at home to play-off hopefuls Bradford City.

A defeat for Northampton away to Tranmere Rovers on the final day of the season could see Stockport County take third spot should the Hatters (who won 3-0 away to champions Leyton Orient today) manage to secure all three points at home to Hartlepool.

You would expect Stockport to defeat Hartlepool considering the latter have now had their relegation to the fifth tier confirmed. The Pools did put in a good showing with a 3-1 victory at home to Barrow but Crawley Town’s goalless draw at home to Walsall means that Hartlepool will join Rochdale in the National League.

All this means that the final round of the regular League Two season will mostly be focused on who takes third spot and who ends up in the play-offs with Stockport, Carlisle United, Salford City, and Bradford currently occupying fourth-seventh position currently.

PROMOTED! 🤩

Sky Bet League One, we’re coming for you. 💯 pic.twitter.com/WdLo0tZo1K

— Stevenage FC 🔴⚪ (@StevenageFC) April 29, 2023