Exclusive: Don Goodman drops claim on Reading FC, Leyton Orient battle for L1 play-off spot | OneFootball

Don Goodman has told FLW what obstacle Reading and Leyton Orient need to overcome to secure sixth place in League One

Don Goodman believes that the final play-off place battle between Leyton Orient and Reading could be decided by who handles the pressure of the last two games the best.

The Royals are currently seventh, but the two teams are level on points with only two fixtures remaining.

Noel Hunt’s side have won just one of their last three matches, whereas Leyton Orient are on a four-game winning run.

But the London outfit will face Wycombe Wanderers and Huddersfield Town in those final clashes, compared to Reading taking on Bristol Rovers and Barnsley.

Don Goodman makes League One play-off battle claim

Goodman has claimed that it is a real 50/50 on who will secure that final play-off place in League One this year.

While he believes Reading have the easier fixtures on paper, he actually expects the pressure both clubs are facing to be the biggest obstacle that needs to be overcome.

“Toss of a coin really between who will prevail and get that final play-off place between Reading and Leyton Orient,” Goodman exclusively told Football League World.

“They’ve both done amazingly well to put themselves in the position.

“It is clear that Reading have the preferable fixtures, so an away game at a Bristol Rovers team that haven’t won in such a long time on paper would look favourable.

“And then a home game against Barnsley I think it is for Reading, whereas Leyton Orient host Wycombe, who are desperate to get into the automatics and have the best away record in League One.

“So, that is going to be the acid test, and then Leyton Orient go away to Huddersfield Town, so it’s clear that Reading have the better looking fixtures on paper.

“But that doesn’t mean to say that they’ll prevail, pressure’s going to be a huge part, and it could be as simple as whoever copes with that pressure in the last two games the best will get the desired results.”

The regular League One season will come to a finish on 3 May with a full round of fixtures.

While Reading are currently behind on goal difference, Hunt’s side potentially have the edge due to the fixtures remaining.

Bristol Rovers are in the relegation zone, so will be desperate for a result against the Berkshire outfit, but Wycombe will pose a more significant threat to Leyton Orient with the club in the battle for a top two spot.

Reading are also at home on the final day, while Leyton Orient are away at Huddersfield, which might give them another slight advantage.