Coventry promoted to Premier League as race to join them hits final straight | OneFootball

Is this the most exciting race for the Premier League ever? Going into the final three games, any one of four Championship teams can clinch the second automatic promotion slot, and it’s looking like it’s going to the last day.

It’s tight at the top of the table and one mistake, one moment of genius or one controversial refereeing decision can signal glory or heatbreak.

After a thrilling week of Championship football, with so many ups and downs, we take a look at how the promotion and play-off contenders are ending the season.

Coventry back in the big time

The one certainty in all this is Coventry City, who have set the pace all season long and finally had their promotion confirmed on Friday night. A 1-1 draw away at Blackburn wasn’t thrilling, but it didn’t need to be. Bobby’s Thomas’ late equalizer ensures that Frank Lampard’s side cannot be caught.

It means that Coventry will be playing in the Premier League next season after a 25 year absence.

With a 10 point cushion over second placed Millwall, they only need one more win to be certain of the league title and deservedly so – they’ve been the standout team of the division this season.

Ipswich’s wobbly week

Since we last assessed the Championship 10 days ago, much has happened to Ipswich Town. A surprising defeat at Portsmouth followed by a home draw with promotion rivals Middlesbrough saw the Tractor Boys finish the weekend in second, and with a game in hand over everyone around them. It looked like automatic promotion would be a stroll in the park for Kieran McKenna’s men after the win at Carrow Road but a one point from six return has just shed some doubt.

The home side had to come from behind twice, Kasey McAteer cancelling out David Strelec’s opener. After Tommy Conway restored Middlesbrough’s lead, it needed a controversial late penalty, converted by Jack Clarke, to rescue a point for Ipswich.

That said, it was a better point for Ipswich than Boro and leaves them ahead of Millwall on goal difference, a point above Southampton and three above Boro. It’s very much still in their hands. The game against a resurgent Southampton on April 28 could be a make or break for both sides.

Boro’s auto hopes fading

The hugely entertaining 2-2 draw did little for Middlesbrough’s automatic hopes, who now haven’t won in seven. They put their poor form aside to take the game to the hosts and can feel a little aggrieved that they didn’t take all three points. 2-1 up with three minutes of the regulation 90 to play, referee Jarred Gillett awarded the home aide a very soft penalty – George Hirst going down theatrically under a challenge from Adilson Malanda. It was a huge decision at such an important moment of the season, and Boro manager Kim Hellburg made straight for the referee at the final whistle. Boro, it appears, will have to settle for the play offs.

Lions roaring

Millwall’s routine 2-0 victory over Queen’s Park Rangers saw them finishing the weekend in second spot until the late drama at Portman Road. They steadied the ship after dropping points in the last two games, a home defeat to in-form Norwich was followed by a goalless draw at West Brom. They are the only team in the top six never to have played in the Premier League. The last time they played in the top flight it was called Division 1, back in 1988/89.

The win made sure they will be in the end of season playoffs, barring a spectacular collapse and Wrexham winning all three of their remaining games. Millwall though, are still in with a great shout for automatic promotion.

Relentless Saints

Southampton’s extraordinary second half of the season form continued with three wins in 8 days, over Derby, Blackburn and on Saturday away Swansea City. While the home win against Blackburn was comfortable, they had to come from behind against Derby and Swansea. And they left it late at the Swansea.com stadium, Cameron Archer netting in the very last minute to keep the winning run going.

The Saints are piling the pressure on second place Ipswich as they look for an immediate return to the Premier League. What looked like a late dash for the play-offs a few weeks ago is now a very serious bid for automatic promotion. They are certainly the form side of all the contenders.

Race for the final spot

While the top five look set for either automatic promotion or the play offs, the race for the final spot – sixth place – is still going after Hull’s recent poor form has left the door ajar for Wrexham and Derby.

Hull squandered the lead at home to Birmingham City on Saturday. Hull took the lead on 24 minutes through Joe Gelhardt’s 15th goal of the season, and dominated the first half. With Birmingham’s poor away form, the Tigers must have felt the job was done, but the visitors showed much more intent after the break and Tomoki Iwata’s spectacular long range shot meant the game ended 1-1. Three wins in 10 for Hull have them nervously looking over their shoulder.

Wrexham and Derby still in the hunt.

Wrexham and Derby County both picked up maximum points at the weekend, Wrexham easing past Stoke City 2-0 with goals from George Thomason and Josh Windass.

Jayden Banel’s sensational solo effort – running three quarters of the length of the pitch with the ball – ensured Derby saw off relegation-threatened Oxford United with a 1-0 win at Pride Park.

It means that Wrexham sit 7th and two points behind Hull, while Derby are one place and one point worse off.

We’re at the stage when one result can make or break a season and with all Championship teams playing in midweek, it’s a critical set of fixtures.