Thompson strikes to save Dale status

JOE THOMPSON (below) scored the goal that saved Rochdale from relegation in the final game of a season when he beat cancer for a second time.

In a remarkable final act to an escape that looked highly unlikely a few weeks ago, Thompson came off the bench to net the 69th-minute winner in a 1-0 win over Charlton.

Dale needed to better Oldham to secure safety and Latics were held to a

2-2 draw at relegated Northampton.

George Edmundson put Oldham ahead but a Matt Grimes penalty and a goal from Ash Taylor gave Town the lead. Tom Haymer equalised but Oldham could not find a winner.

Wigan lifted the League One trophy after a 1-0 victory over Doncaster, Will Grigg scoring his 19th goal of the season.

Paul Cook’s side only needed a point to finish ahead of Blackburn, who maintained the pressure with a 2-1 victory over Oxford with goals by Darragh Lenihan and Jack Payne sandwiching James Henry’s equaliser.

Kieran Agard’s 63rdminute penalty gave relegated MK Dons a 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury, who head into the play-offs in poor form. The Shrews will face Charlton while Rotherham take on Scunthorpe. Will Vaulks scored for the Millers in a

1-0 win over Blackpool but Scunthorpe had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Bradford, Conor Townsend cancelling out Matt Kilgallon’s opener.

Gillingham ended the season in fine style with a

5-2 win over Plymouth. Tom Eaves hit a hat-trick in 21 minutes either side of half-time after Josh Parker had given the Gills the lead. Joel Grant and Graham Carey netted for Plymouth but Elliott List scored a late fifth. Bottom side Bury battled back from two down to draw 2-2 with Wimbledon, who looked in control with goals by Dean Parrett and Kwesi Appiah but Neil Danns and George Miller hit back.

Fleetwood beat Walsall 2-0, with Ashley Hunter and Paddy Madden scoring the goals.Brett Pitman netted his 22nd and 23rd goals in Portsmouth’s 2-0 win over Peterborough, while Bristol Rovers and Southend played out a goalless draw.