FOOTBALL – Ipswich Town returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking as a 3-0 victory over visiting Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the regular Championship season yesterday ensured they took the second automatic promotion slot.
Wrexham’s fairytale rise through the divisions was halted though as a 2-2 draw at home to Middlesbrough cost them a place in the promotion playoffs, which was taken by Hull City.
Ipswich needed a victory to make certain of finishing runners-up to Coventry City and early goals by George Hirst and Jaden Philogene settled any nerves at Portman Road.
The celebrations had already started by the time Kasey McAteer wrapped up the points late on.
Millwall and Middlesbrough also went into the final day with automatic promotion chances if Ipswich slipped up.
Millwall beat relegated Oxford United 2-0 to secure third place a point behind Ipswich, while Middlesbrough drew 2-2 at Wrexham – a result that meant the Welsh club’s hopes of a fourth straight promotion ended as they finished seventh.
A draw could have been enough for Wrexham – the club owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and who have a global following – but Hull’s 2-1 win against visitors Norwich City – their first win in seven league games – meant they finished two points above them in sixth.
Derby County had also been in with a chance of grabbing the final playoff place on a nerve-wracking finale to the season but lost 2-1 at home to Sheffield United having been in front.