The Football League insist the scrapping of the away-goals rule for the Nationwide play-offs will make for more entertaining matches. The rule change was introduced last season and means that if the aggregate scores are level after 90 minutes of this week's semi-final second legs, there will be extra-time and then penalty kicks if necessary.
'We agreed to make this change for last year's semi-finals as it was felt to be fairer to the sides and would create more positive play,' said Football League spokesman John Nagle.
'We have decided that we will continue with this arrangement.'
Premiership hopefuls Bolton, who made it to the 1999 First Division play-off final on the back of the away-goals rule, fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at West Brom on Sunday and leave Thursday's second leg finely balanced.
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