Only Bolton Wanderers (75 points) are guaranteed their place in the play-offs with the sides below them seemingly unwilling or unable to get over the line in recent weeks which has left a five-way battle to join them in the end-of-season shootout.
Stockport (74pts) are fourth and were expected to secure their spot on Tuesday only to lose 2-1 at home to already relegated Port Vale, which means they need a point at Barnsley on Saturday book their place.
Defeat for County though could be catastrophic as Bradford City, Stevenage and Luton Town – who have an identical goal difference to Dave Challinor’s side – could all overtake them with wins.
Bradford (74pts) also need the minimum of a draw at relegation-threatened Exeter to stay in the top six and, while they could still make it with a defeat, will not want to leave it all to chance.
That then leaves a three-way tug-of-war for the final spot which will be taken by Stevenage (72pts) if they win against Wigan Athletic.
If Alex Revell’s side drop points then that would open the door for one of Luton Town (71pts), who go to Bolton, or Plymouth (70pts) who visit already relegated Northampton Town.
Tom Cleverley’s Argyle need to win and hope both Stevenage and Luton fail to take three points.
