Sheffield United hosted Chesterfield on the final day of the regular league season knowing that only a draw would have been enough to finish 5th in the league and avoid the possibility of facing MK Dons or Preston in the two-legged semis.
Play-off rivals Sheffield United and Chesterfield had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane. Marc McNulty gave the home side the lead through a powerful effort in the first half, before Ian Evatt's header from close range drew the visitors level. United started off the better of the two sides, however Tendayi Darikwa's ball across the face of goal threatened to put the visitors in front. The home side responded, with Stefan Scougall's deflected effort forcing a great close range save by Tommy Lee, before Daniel Jones' interception denied a powerful Che Adams effort.
The Blades broke the deadlock through McNulty in the 33rd minute as he fired past Lee and into the top right-hand corner from John Brayford's cross of the net. The lead didn't last long after half-time however, as Evatt latched on to a lofted ball from Jones to head home from six yards. Both sides pushed for a winner, however neither team could clinch the three points.
Blades boss Niogel Clough is expected to be without midfielder Louis Reed (heel) for both legs of the semi-finals whilst Terry Kennedy (knee) is out injured and Matt Done is doubtful. However the former Derby County boss has Jamal Campbell-Ryce at his expense after the forward returned from his loan move from relegated Nott's County.
Ahead of the two-legged semis forward Jamie Murphy told BBC Radio Sheffield; "We've been looking forward to the play-offs for the past month or so. They're big games and at Sheffield United we want to be involved in big matches. We all want to win the game but if we can't we have to make sure we don't lose. I don't think there is a favourite. I think any of the four teams can get through to the final and go up."
Swindon Town, who have long held taht 4th place spot wasn't in a meaningless game either in their final match of the season. Whilst the result had no baring on the Robins position, the opposition Leyton Orient needed a win in their attempt at securing survival against relegation. Despite taking a two goal lead last seasons Play-Off finalists could only draw and succumed to life in League Two next season.
Leyton Orient were relegated from SkyBet League One after surrendering a two-goal lead against 10-man Swindon Town, who fought back to draw 2-2 at the County Ground. Goals either side of half-time by Dean Cox and Chris Dagnall gave Orient a 2-0 cushion before Anton Rodgers replied for Swindon and Andy Williams levelled the scores with a late penalty.
Orient had the opportunity to win the match long before Swindon's comeback - Lloyd James having a 20th minute penalty saved after a bizarre situation which saw Tyrell Belford, Swindon's 20-year old goalkeeper, automatically red carded for a foul on Dagnall.
Belford's elder brother Cameron came off the substitutes bench and flung himself to his left to save Lloyd James' spot kick. O's did take the lead when Cox robbed Raphael Branco to score - an interval lead which Dagnall doubled two minutes after the break. Swindon pulled goal back through an Anton Rodgers volley and, in a breathtaking finale, equalised through Williams from the penalty spot.
Tyrell Bedford's sending off at home to Orient will require him to serve a three match ban and will miss both legs as well as the final should teh Robins beat the Blades over two legs. Meanwhile Mark Cooper will asses the fitness of Harry Toffolo after he limped out of the draw with Orient.
However they are boosted by the returns of Jon Obika and Ben Gladwin (both back), Wes Foderingham (hip), Massimo Luongo (ankle) and Nathan Thompson (foot) - all from injury.
Robins captain Nathan Thompson told BBC Wiltshire: "It's a dream come true for me to captain this team in the play-offs. To be in this position is fantastic and to lead the boys out is even better. We're all confident in each other's ability and that's shown throughout the season. You've seen the amount of quality players they've got at their disposal. We're expecting a tough game and a packed-out crowd at Bramall Lane, but it's a massive experience for us and we can't wait for it."
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Swindon Town 0