It could yet be a painful end to the season for a number of Irish footballers as the English play-offs begin. A number of Irish players must face up to the prospects of a promising season ending with no reward.

On Friday night, it had looked to be the perfect start after Sean St. Ledger fired Preston North End ahead against Sheffield United in the first Championship play-off. However, a Sheffield United side including Paddy Kenny and Stephen Quinn fought back to claim a draw. Eddie Nolan also lined out for Preston while Stephen Elliott was an unused sub. The tie finished 1-1 with the second leg coming on Monday night.

Kevin Doyle returned to the Reading starting line-up only to be forced off injured before half-time. It was a bad night for Reading as they aimed to start well away from home on account of their dreadful home record (no wins in Reading since January). However, some late indiscipline cost Reading as they lost to a late penalty against Burnley.

Burnley are currently managed by one time Irish international Owen Coyle and Dubliner Chris McCann played the whole game. Reading as usual had a major Irish flavour to their attack with Jay Tabb and Shane Long lining up alongside Doyle. Stephen Hunt was an unused sub.

Earlier on Saturday, Millwall won 1-0 in the first leg of their League One play-off against Leeds United. Galway born goalkeeper David Forde kept a clean sheet for the London club with Irishman Alan Dunne also lining out for them.

Leeds included Jonathan Douglas in their side and will be hoping to overturn the deficit when the sides meet again on Thursday night in Leeds.

Scunthorpe United and MK Dons played out a 1-1 draw in the other League One play-off semi-final first leg on Friday. Cliff Byrne is club captain at Scunthorpe and played the whole game while goalkeeper Joe Murphy went off injured and is a major doubt for the second leg.