Nervous times in England as lower division clubs battle for glory

As the English football season approaches the business end there are some terrific skirmishes going on in the lower divisions of the Football League. Match depends on how the players can adapt to the pressure of striving for promotion or fighting relegation. It is grassroots football at its best.

- KICKBACKS By Nobby Piles

In the championship there is real scrap as the top three teams fighting it out for the two automatic promotion spots to the Premier League.

Leeds United and Sheffield United have clearly sharing the limelight for much of the season and the Blades are currently top, two points ahead of their Yorkshire rivals. But Burnley have the same points as Leeds and are only behind on goal difference.

None of this trio want to end up in third place because it means they will be conditioned to playoff matches against the likes of Sunderland which is the last thing they need at the end of a long season.