Leeds look banker material

Leeds United look worthy favourites to win the League One play-offs.

Gary McAllister's men are generally 13-8 to break the hearts of fellow play-off hopefuls Doncaster, Carlisle and Southend and it is easy to understand why. Had Leeds not suffered a 15-point deduction for failing to exit administration via a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), they would have gained automatic promotion with comfort.

The Yorkshire club performed wonders to finish fifth in the table after having to play catch-up and, provided their exertions have not taken their toll, should belatedly gain the reward that their efforts deserve.

McAllister only took over in late January but is not short on experience, with Dave Bassett his number two and Ken Bates his chairman.

Leeds ended the campaign pretty much as they started it - with three successive wins - and will be able count on vociferous support. Their final-day crowd was a League One record of 38,256.

Carlisle stand in the way of Leeds and a place in the final at Wembley on May 25 but the Cumbrians ended the season looking weary, failing to win any of their last five matches.

Southend, with the benefit of some shrewd on-loan signings, are fancied to get the better of Doncaster in the other semi-final.

The Shrimpers, generally 7-2, have been playing some neat football under Steve Tilson but may have to erase the memory of a 4-1 loss suffered at Leeds earlier in the season if they are to reach the Championship.