20.04.24 – Weekend Results and Fixtures Ahead

Stoke City all but confirmed their Championship status for another season, with a 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon.

While not yet mathematically safe, the likelihood of The Potters being relegated from this point is extremely remote.

Goals from Wouter Burger, Million Manhoef and Ki Jana Hoever gave Steven Schumacher a massive win against his former club, and it lifted Stoke to 17th in the table, four clear of the drop zone.

Meanwhile in Burslem – Port Vale’s relegation from League One was confirmed as they were beaten 2-0 at Bolton Wanderers.

The Vale needed a win to give themselves any chance of survival , but goals from Aaron Collins and Cameron Jerome confined Darren Moore’s team to defeat, and Burton Albion beat Reading 4-2 to create a six point gap.

Following the game, Darren Moore confirmed he is committed to The Vale and will remain the manager, while owner Carol Shanahan addressed the fans via an open letter – stating there will be a review of all areas of the club as they begin to ‘put things right.’

Crewe Alexandra’s poor end of season home form continued, as they were comfortably beaten by already promoted Wrexham 3-0 at The Mornflake Stadium.

Goals from Ollie Palmer, Paul Mullin and Andy Cannon helped the Welsh side to an easy win, in a game which also saw Crewe’s Ryan Cooney sent off.

Results elsewhere mean The Alex remain in fifth position, but will need a point next week at Colchester to make absolutely sure of a playoff position. Defeat would mean relying on results elsewhere.

A goal from Nathan Barry proved to be only a consolation goal for Newcastle Town, as they lost their last away game of the season 3-1 against Vauxhall Motors.

Keiran Brown scored for Kidsgrove, but they were beaten at home 2-1 by Trafford at Hollinwood Road.

Leek Town were beaten 3-1 away at Witton Albion. Lucas Weir with the goal for Leek.

Hanley Town were beaten comfortably 3-0 by Bootle. Hanley’s last home game of the season this coming weekend will be the last for Louis Dodds who has taken the decision to retire from football.

Nantwich Town’s slim chances of making the playoffs are now over as they were beaten 2-1 by The City of Liverpool.

And Stafford Rangers were beaten 1-0 by Ashton United which means Rangers are relegated. Following the game the club confirmed manager Dave Cooke and assistant Dale Belford will remain in charge for the 24/25 season.

Into women’s football – Despite falling behind after eight minutes, Stoke City fought back to beat West Brom 2-1 in their game played at The BET365 Stadium. Roisin Kivel and Heidi Logan netting for The Potters.

Two goals each for Olivia Grocott and Sian McHugh, and one each for Tara Harrison and Erin Moreton-Powell saw Port Vale thrash Darlaston Town 6-0.

Newcastle Town were beaten 1-0 in The League Cup by Leek Town Ladies reserves.

And Leek Town’s ladies first team were beaten 2-1 by Sutton Coldfield, with Cassie Hyde getting the goal for Leek.