Predictable last day, at least with hindsight

SO, what are we to make of Burton Albion's last game of the season?

- By COLSTON CRAWFORD

It is easy to say with hindsight but I felt it was exactly what might happen - that the Brewers would inevitably drop a notch or two from the intensity they had summoned up to achieve League One survival and that Charlton Athletic would be absolutely determined to carry momentum into the play-offs.

They had been beaten by Wrexham in their penultimate game but a run of only three defeats in their last 22 matches, 16 of which were won, had lifted them from mid-table into a comfortable play-off position.

The Brewers could not capitalise on an enthusiastic start on their way to a 3-1 defeat.

Here are some of the talking points from the game.

Charlton looked every bit the play-off favourites they are

The Addicks were good to watch, arguably more so than both Birmingham City and Wrexham.

There was no messing about at the back, stringing unnecessary passes together, as so many teams do.

The least likely of the teams making the last four promoted before in all divisions.

It is Wycombe Wanderers who get the first chance to stop them and they were battered 4-0 at home by the Addicks only a fortnight ago.

It was a tough learning day for Delap

Five appearances towards the end of the season have been encouraging for Delap.

He could have had the man of the match award on his full debut in place of Ryan Sweeney in the 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town and did get it for another solid display in the 1-1 draw against Wigan Athletic.

But the Charlton game was a sharp reminder that the 19-year-old still has a long way to go and manager Gary Bowyer may well feel Delap has learned more from it than the ones which have gone well.