Championship Football Guaranteed

Last updated : 15 April 2006 By Andy Beill
An unspectacular 0-0 draw to Burnley in the penultimate home game of the season makes it mathematically impossible for City to finish in the bottom three.

21st placed Sheffield Wednesday also gave themselves some distance from the relegation zone with a 1-0 win against Norwich at Hillsborough. They're 7 points clear with three games remaining for all clubs.

The bottom three continue to fight for their Championship lives, as limited as they may be. Crewe came from being 2-0 down at half time at Crystal Palace to draw 2-2, but drop to 2nd from bottom. Brighton overtake them on goal difference after winning 2-1 at Ipswich today. Millwall remain bottom, a point behind both teams and needing to win all their remaining games to stand a chance of staying up, after a 1-1 draw with Plymouth.

Sheffield United won't be playing Championship football next season for different reasons - they can't be caught in 2nd place. They won 1-0 at Cardiff yesterday, and Leeds weren't able to beat Reading today to stay in contention. They'll have to settle for the play-offs with Watford, Preston and Crystal Palace, who are all out of 7th placed Wolves's reach now.

Coming down to the Championship will be Sunderland, whose 0-0 draw at Manchester United last night wasn't enough to prolong their Premiership status. They will finish bottom no matter what, while the rest continue their relegation fights.