The Red Devils were tipped to exit the EFL last summer after finishing a chaotic 2022-23 League Two season in 22nd place. However, they turned over a new leaf with a stunning seventh place finish this term and now have the chance to leave the division by the front door.
Scott Lindsey’s side host MK Dons, who came fourth, in tomorrow’s semi-final first leg (3pm) and then head to Buckinghamshire for the return on Thursday (8pm).
It’s a mouthwatering prospect for the West Sussex club, who beat MK 2-1 at home in August – Orsi netting the winner – before losing the away match 2-0 in late December.
“At the start of the season we were favourites for relegation,” said striker Orsi, who has led the way with 21 goals in all competitions, 19 in the league. “To say after 46 games that we have finished seventh is a real achievement for the club and players.
“People are writing us off again now, but we don’t feel any pressure. It’s going to be two teams who have similar beliefs about how the game should be played and they should be two exciting games.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Pride at the park is perfect for Paul
EVERYONE deserved a pat on the back was Paul Warne’s verdict as his Derby County side hung on for all three points.
ACE HARRIS NETS TOP AWARD WITH GOAL RUSH
STRIKER Mark Harris has led the Oxford United assault on the second tier – and now it’s landed him the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award for August.
SEASIDE LATE SHOW GIVES BRUCE BUZZ
IN HIS first match back in football, new Blackpool boss Steve Bruce admitted this was a tense encounter.
CLEMENCE GETS BLUEBIRDS TO
BARROW boss Stephen Clemence was delighted with his side’s multi faceted performance as they beat Grimsby to continue their strong league start.
KARL FUMES DESPITE LATE SUB HEROICS
KARL Robinson was delighted to see Salford City come back from behind to beat Cheltenham Town thanks to Hakeeb Adelakun’s second-half brace.
PATIENCE REQUIRED OVER NEW BOY ALZATE
HULL City boss Tim Walter says fans will have to wait to see “perfect” midfielder Steven Alzate unleashed on the Championship
DOM AIMS TO HAVE A BALL AT THE O'S...
DOM Ball is eager to use all his experience to help Leyton Orient achieve ‘something special’ this season.
DEL-BOY IS CUSHTY FOR CLEVERLEY
ALTHOUGH it needed a second-half strike from Tom Dele-Bashiru to rescue a point for Watford against Coventry, Hornets’ relieved head coach Tom Cleverley was determined not to point the finger at his slow-starting players.
MACKEMS' PERFECT RECORD IS ROO-INED
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight after his first Championship win as Plymouth Argyle boss came by beating previously unbeaten leaders Sunderland at the death.
Spanish starlet is seizing his big chance
SUNDERLAND'S failure to sign an established striker this summer left fans apoplectic, but Eliezer Mayenda is doing his best to quell the dissent.
