Cambridge beat Forest Green 2-0 on the final day of the League One season to complete a remarkable escape from relegation.

The U’s were seven points from safety going into the final nine games of the campaign but their win over Rovers, coupled with MK Dons and Morecambe dropping points, means Mark Bonner’s side stay up.

They had fallen into the drop zone on January 14 and climbed out of it only on the final day thanks to goals from Harrison Dunk and Sam Smith.

Both goals came in the first half, with Cambridge taking the lead after 25 minutes when Conor McGrandles’ corner was scrambled home by Dunk, and it was 2-0 eight minutes before half-time.

Jack Lankester helped the ball on to Smith, who fired a superb volley in off the far post.

Rock-bottom Forest Green did threaten, with Dominic Bernard heading against the bar from close range, and Lankester almost headed a corner into his own net soon after the break.

The remainder of the game petered out into a non-event, with attentions turned to the outcome of scores elsewhere as Cambridge secured a third season in the third tier.

A goalless draw at Burton was not enough for MK Dons as they suffered final day heartbreak and relegation to Sky Bet League Two.

Winless in seven games prior to the final day of the League One campaign, the Dons knew that victory would be enough to keep them up.

However, the 0-0 draw – combined with Cambridge’s home win over Forest Green – was not enough to save them.

It was not for the want of trying as Mark Jackson’s side peppered the Burton goal throughout but a lack of composure and an inspired display from keeper Craig MacGillivray kept them out.

The visitors had the better early chances in a nervy first half. Several efforts went wastefully high or wide, with Paris Maghoma and Conor Grant failing to hit the target.

Jonathan Leko finally got an effort on goal but was denied by the outstretched leg of MacGillivray, who then pulled off an excellent save to keep out Sullay Kaikai’s curling effort.

John Brayford and Mark Helm both fired straight at goalkeeper Jamie Cumming as the hosts sought the breakthrough.

In a tense second half Zac Ashworth made a crucial block to deny Leko as time ticked away for the Dons, before substitute Dawson Devoy saw his shot thump the post.

The visitors threw everything at Burton late on and came close in a goalmouth scramble near the end.

However, they could not find a way through a resilient back line and drop to League Two.

Goals from Jonson Clarke-Harris and Jack Taylor helped Peterborough clinch the final play-off position with a 2-0 Sky Bet League One win at Barnsley.

Darren Ferguson’s side will face Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off semi-finals, with Barnsley facing Bolton.

Posh took the lead inside six minutes at Oakwell through main man Clarke-Harris. Ephron Mason-Clark’s ball from the left found the club’s top scorer, who fired home from inside the box.

James Norwood thought he had equalised in the 15th minute but the linesman had raised his flag for offside.

The Reds came close again on the hour mark when Luca Connell’s corner was headed narrowly wide by Liam Kitching.

Peterborough’s Taylor had a brace of chances five minutes later to double his side’s lead but could not get the better of goalkeeper Harry Isted.

Visiting keeper Will Norris was called into action in the 69th minute when Josh Benson’s cross found the head of substitute Slobodan Tedic, whose effort was tipped around the post.

Peterborough doubled their lead in the 76th minute when Taylor headed home from Harrison Burrows’ corner – and when news of Derby’s loss at Hillsborough was confirmed, the away fans at Oakwell could look forward to play-off action.

Derby missed out on a League One play-off place following a crushing 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

Captain Curtis Davies’ 41st-minute red card that led to Michael Smith’s match-winning penalty meant the Rams were dislodged from sixth place by Peterborough, who beat Barnsley 2-0.

The Owls, who were already guaranteed to finish third in the table and will meet Posh in the play-offs, ended the regular season unbeaten in 23 home games – the club’s longest sequence since January 1981.

Following a cagey start to the contest David McGoldrick’s fierce 20-yard drive was turned behind by Wednesday goalkeeper Cameron Dawson.

The hosts did not threaten until midway through the first period and, even then, skipper Barry Bannan’s ambitious long-range effort sailed over former Hillsborough team-mate Joe Wildsmith’s crossbar.

But Derby went on to press the self-destruct button on the stroke of half-time. Davies under-hit a back pass to Wildsmith and the keeper could only clear as far as Johnson, who Davies fouled to give away a penalty and earn a red card.

Smith confidently went on to claim his 20th goal of the season by sending Wildsmith the wrong way from the spot.

A frantic end to the first half might have seen McGoldrick level when his deft chip was clawed over the crossbar by Dawson.

Will Vaulks went close to doubling the lead in the second half when he smashed an edge-of-the-box strike against the bar before his follow-up was blocked by Craig Forsyth.

Bannan also fired narrowly wide from distance but the 10 men went close to equalising just before the hour mark when Max Bird’s scuffed shot beat Dawson but was kicked off the line by Aden Flint.

McGoldrick warmed Dawson’s hands from long range late on, but Paul Warne’s men could not force the equaliser that would have secured a top-six spot.

Plymouth clinched the League One title on the final day with a 3-1 victory at Port Vale.

The home side opened the scoring after just three minutes with a perfect through ball beyond the defence finding its way to James Plant, who slotted home.

Despite going behind, Plymouth did not panic and eventually forced an equaliser in the 34th minute when a loose ball in the box fell to Adam Randell, who made no mistake on the half-volley.

The momentum led to another four minutes later with a blistering run down the line from Bali Mumba eventually leading to a cross which Joe Edwards was on the end of.

Argyle were determined to add to their tally after the break and scored a third after just over an hour as a Finn Azaz shot from just outside the 18-yard box was too good for Aidan Stone to stop.

The full-time whistle prompted huge celebrations from the 3,926 away support.

Alfie May’s late strike earned Cheltenham a 2-2 home draw against Charlton in an entertaining season finale.

The Addicks led through Scott Fraser’s first-half strike, but Aidan Keena levelled for the Robins early in the second period.

Charlton re-took the lead when substitute Jack Payne struck with seven minutes left, but May’s 20th League One goal of the season sealed a point for the Robins.

Cheltenham started well, but Charlton created the better openings in the first half.

Mandela Egbo was denied by Luke Southwood’s near-post save and Tyreece Campbell headed wide from a good position.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi then saw an effort blocked by Caleb Taylor as Charlton continued to press, and they eventually found the breakthrough in the 34th minute.

Campbell’s strike was deflected into the path of Fraser, who rounded Southwood and tapped into the empty net.

Rak-Sakyi nearly made it 2-0 before half-time, but Southwood managed to smother at his feet.

Cheltenham levelled four minutes into the second half when May’s drive was parried by Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Keena followed up to score.

Southwood saved well from Campbell and Fraser as Charlton looked to reclaim the lead before Ryan Broom and May went close for Cheltenham.

Payne capitalised on a defensive error to make it 2-1 to the visitors in the 83rd minute, but May buried a left-footed shot inside the bottom-right corner to deny Charlton a first win over Cheltenham.

The 72 EFL clubs are set to play their 46th and final league game of a gruelling season this weekend, with promotion, play-off and relegation spots still to be decided.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the state of play across the three divisions.

Championship

Burnley are champions and Sheffield United have secured automatic promotion in second place.

Relegation spots are also confirmed following the Blades’ loss at Huddersfield on Thursday night, with Neil Warnock’s side securing safety at the expense of their final-day opponents Reading. The Royals will join Blackpool and Wigan in dropping down to the third tier.

Meanwhile, victories last weekend put Coventry and Millwall in prime position to make the play-offs alongside Luton and Middlesbrough, but there is a cluster of three teams hoping to sneak into the top six on the final day.

Sunderland, West Brom and Blackburn can all theoretically qualify should they win. Three points for the Black Cats would virtually guarantee them a play-off place if Coventry lose or Millwall drop points, while – barring a thumping win at Swansea – Albion are likely to need Sunderland to slip up as well.

Blackburn face Millwall in the knowledge that a win will see them leapfrog their opponents, but their goal difference of -3 leaves them relying on other results to go their way.

League One

Plymouth and Ipswich are promoted but the title race remains undecided. Plymouth have a one-point advantage but Ipswich’s vastly superior goal difference – +66 compared with +33 – means they will be champions if they better Argyle’s result on Sunday.

Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley and Bolton have qualified for the play-offs and will be joined by either Derby or Peterborough. The Rams travel to Wednesday knowing a draw is likely to be enough for a top-six berth, while Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough must win at Barnsley and hope for a favour from the Owls.

MK Dons, Morecambe and Cambridge are in a three-way fight for League One survival. The Dons will stay up with a win at Burton, but a draw or defeat would open the door for their rivals.

Morecambe can overtake the Dons by bettering their result against Exeter, while Cambridge can overhaul both teams (should they fail to win) with victory over the already-relegated Forest Green.

Accrington, meanwhile, are all but down following defeat against the U’s last weekend. Stanley require a win and an unlikely 16-goal swing to go past MK Dons in 20th place.

League Two

Champions Leyton Orient and second-placed Stevenage will be playing in League One next season, but Northampton’s defeat against Bradford last weekend has left them in danger of missing out on automatic promotion for a second successive campaign.

Having been denied by an incredible 7-0 Bristol Rovers’ victory on last season’s final day, the Cobblers know that a win at Tranmere this time around will see them go up. Anything less, however, will give Stockport the opportunity to secure promotion with three points against second-from-bottom Hartlepool.

With the Pools already relegated alongside Rochdale, it is only third spot and the play-off places that are mathematically still up for grabs.

Turning attention to the play-off picture, a point for Carlisle, Salford or Bradford will guarantee a top-seven finish, while defeat would see eighth-placed Mansfield draw level on points if they beat Colchester.

The Stags also need to make up a deficit in goal difference, with Carlisle, Salford and Bradford currently eight, four and three goals better off respectively.

Cambridge head coach Mark Bonner was frustrated after his side missed the chance to keep their fate in their own hands on the final day of the League One campaign.

The 1-0 defeat to Burton left Bonner’s side needing both MK Dons and Morecambe to drop points on the last day to have any chance of staying up.

“We wanted to go into Sunday with it in our control and it isn’t,” Bonner said.

“We have to respond and win our game firstly and hope other things go for us. Tonight is disappointing because of the opportunity we had to put it in our own hands.

“But if we are being honest six weeks ago we would have taken being in it on the last day.”

Burton’s Mark Helm scored the only goal with a deflected effort and Bonner felt his side contributed to their own downfall.

He added: “Their goal came off our own poor play and there are a few teams in the league you don’t want to go behind to and they are certainly one of them.

“Burton had a few good chances and will say they should have killed the game off, but they didn’t so we were always in the game.”

Striker Sam Smith thought he had equalised late on with a header saved by Burton goalkeeper Jordan Amissah, with Bonner unsure whether the ball had crossed the line.

“Either that is the best save I’ve ever seen or the ball has crossed the line,” Bonner said.

“I don’t know which but everyone was celebrating as if it had (crossed the line). Tough to see on the video and the replays but the shape of it looked like it had.”

With safety already secured Albion boss Dino Maamria was a happy man as his side reached a season-high 14th spot going into the final game.

“I thought it was a very good performance throughout,” Maamria said.

“We played some good football and got the balance right. We controlled the middle of the park. We scored one and could easily have got two or three.”

Maamria praised goalkeeper Amissah, making his first start since January, but reserved his top praise for match-winner Helm, who is finishing the season in really good form having joined from Burnley in January.

He added: “Jordi deserved his start. Although he hasn’t played, he has been a huge part of what we have been doing and getting that clean sheet is testament to him.

“John Brayford and Sam Hughes were superb at the back but what about Mark Helm? What a performance that is. He is a top, top player. He showed what he is capable of, and he is getting better and better.

“All in all, lots of positives tonight. We are getting better and better all the time.”

Cambridge’s hopes of avoiding relegation from League One took a damaging blow with a 1-0 defeat away to Burton.

Mark Helm struck the only goal of the game in a tense affair where the visitors knew that a victory would lift them out of the bottom four going into their last match of the season.

But instead they sit a point from safety heading into their clash with already-relegated Forest Green on Sunday and needing both MK Dons and Morecambe to drop points to have a chance of survival.

Cambridge began brightly with leading goalscorer Sam Smith denied by a timely challenge from Sam Hughes before pulling a good chance wide from the edge of the box.

But Albion grabbed the lead after 28 minutes when Helm skipped past a couple of challenges before finding the corner of the net via a deflection.

Helm hit a post early in the second period having been brought down by goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov but referee Andy Haines tried to play an advantage as he looked poised to award the penalty.

Ryan Bennett headed a late chance against the crossbar as Cambridge sought an equaliser before Jordan Amissah produced an amazing last ditch save to claw away Smith’s goalbound header.

Steve Cotterill paid tribute to matchwinner Rob Street as Shrewsbury ended their home campaign with a 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers.

The Crystal Palace loanee doubled Town’s advantage after captain and ex-Rovers star Luke Leahy headed the opening goal after three minutes on his 100th appearance for the club.

Middlesbrough loanee Josh Coburn ended his near four-month goal drought with a 70th-minute reply for the visitors.

But Rovers’ hopes of avoiding a sixth game without victory ended with a miss by substitute Luca Hoole and a fine save from Marko Marosi to deny Coburn a second.

“It was brilliant for Rob,” said Cotterill after Shrewsbury’s first win in nine and Street’s fourth goal of the season after 53 minutes. “He hasn’t trained this week from the game last weekend.

“And he went to his granddad’s funeral this morning (Tuesday) then drove up from London.

“He deserves a large amount of credit for playing. I couldn’t be happier for him.

“He works a lot on it (finishing) but a lot of it is confidence. It is all well and good him coming from Crystal Palace but he hadn’t played at League One level.”

On the three points to lift Shrewsbury into the top half of the table, Cotterill added: “It is nice to hear ‘excellent win’ because it has been a long time coming.

“Look at them making five substitutes. Their calibre of subs would be in our starting line-up.

“It must be a delight for Joey to have a squad that size.

“They have a budget that is probably twice ours. But we have taken four points out of six off Bristol Rovers and that’s a good return.”

Rovers boss Joey Barton said: “We lost the game so I don’t want to be too negative towards Shrewsbury.

“We have got to defend our box better. In the first five minutes we were a goal down and that gave them something to hang onto.

“Stats are only a pointer towards a performance, the main one being we lost 2-1.

“But when we got our more technical players on the pitch, we took control,” added Barton who introduced five replacements in one go after Shrewsbury went 2-0 up.

“We were in the ascendancy towards the back end of the game.

“Part of the strategy was to open up late in the game. But we didn’t envisage being two goals down to a team like Shrewsbury.

“There were loads of good things but it encapsulates the season in a nutshell.”

Skipper Luke Leahy and Rob Street scored the goals as Shrewsbury ended an eight-game winless run by beating Bristol Rovers 2-1 in Sky Bet League One.

Top scorer and one-time Rovers skipper Leahy headed Steve Cotterill’s side into a third-minute lead.

Street, on loan from Crystal Palace, drilled in a second for Shrews in their final home game of the campaign.

Rovers go into the last match of the season on Sunday without a win in six.

But for large parts Joey Barton’s team were on top. The Bristol Rovers boss introduced all five substitutes after going 2-0 down, including League One Player of the Year Aaron Collins.

And with 20 minutes remaining, Josh Coburn bagged the 10th goal of his loan move from Middlesbrough.

Rovers piled on the pressure in a bid to rescue a point. Collins’ clever pass played in Coburn but the striker was denied a second by goalkeeper Marko Marosi’s superb save.