Blues seal promotion to Premier League
Goals from Keith Fahey and Kevin Phillips see Birmingham City return to the top-flight
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Sunday, 03, May 2009 09:07
Birmingham City have clinched automatic promotion to the Premier League after a 2-1 win over rivals Reading at the Madjeski Stadium.
A goal in each half from Keith Fahey and veteran Kevin Phillips sees the Blues finish second in the Championship to join Wolves in the top-flight next season.
Reading, who scored through Marek Matejovsky, will have to contend with a place in the playoffs.
The Royals will face Burnley in the semi-final first leg on Saturday, after they recorded a 4-0 win over Bristol City at Turf Moor thanks to two Graham Alexander penalties and further goals from Wade Elliott and Joey Gudjonsson.
Preston scraped through to the playoffs by virtue of goals scored over Cardiff City.
Preston beat Queens Park Rangers at Deepdale with Sean St. Ledger scoring 16 minutes from time.
The Bluebirds dropped out of the top six following a 1-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough after Jermaine Johnson's goal on 71 minutes.
Preston will meet Sheffield United in the semi-final first leg on Friday, after the Blades draw 0-0 with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Meanwhile, Norwich City will play in League One next season after losing 4-2 to already-relegated Charlton Athletic.
Southampton's last game in the Championship saw them lose 3-1 against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Wolves lifted the Championship trophy after their 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers at Molineux.
Ipswich Town ended their season with a 2-1 victory over Coventry City in Roy Keane's first home game in charge of the Tractor Boys.