Championship Wrap: Burnley clinch promotion to Premier League

Burnley confirmed their promotion to the Premier League with a 2-0 Championship win over Wigan Athletic on Monday.

Sean Dyche’s men knew victory at home to Wigan would secure a return to the top flight regardless of the result in third-placed Derby County’s match with Barnsley.

First-half goals from Ashley Barnes and Michael Kightly proved enough to earn three points, keeping Burnley eight clear of Derby with two games of the season remaining.

Burnley last played in the Premier League in 2010 but are now assured of promotion alongside Leicester City, who will be crowned champions should they beat Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday.

A pitch invasion followed the full-time whistle in Burnley’s clash with Wigan as home fans showed their appreciation and delight.

Derby were 2-1 winners against relegation-threatened Barnsley, with Jeff Hendrick and Johnny Russell on the scoresheet for Steve McClaren’s side.

QPR are guaranteed to join Derby in the play-offs following a 2-1 victory over Watford at Loftus Road.

Mathias Ranegie put the visitors ahead early in the second half, but Joey Barton pulled QPR level before Charlie Austin popped up with an injury-time winner, his 15th Championship goal this season.

Wigan remain fifth, while Brighton and Hove Albion just about stayed in pole position for the final play-off place despite being held to a 1-1 home draw by relegation-threatened Blackpool, who stay in the bottom three on goal difference alone.

Ipswich Town and Bournemouth, two other sides with promotion aspirations, drew 2-2 at Portman Road, with Matt Ritchie equalising in the 80th minute for the away team.

Nottingham Forest moved above Ipswich on goal difference with a 2-0 win at Leeds United, Matt Derbyshire grabbing both goals inside the first 16 minutes. Both Forest and Ipswich are a point outside the top six.

Yeovil Town are all but certain to be relegated following a 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield Town.

Adam Clayton’s late goal for Huddersfield ensured Yeovil sit six points from safety with two games remaining and they also have a vastly inferior goal-difference to fourth-bottom Birmingham City.

Birmingham were beaten 4-2 at home by Blackburn Rovers, while Charlton Athletic boosted their hopes of survival with a 3-2 win at Sheffield Wednesday inspired by Marvin Sordell.

The forward scored a hat-trick as Charlton recovered from going two goals down inside eight minutes to pick up a victory that lifts them two points clear of the drop zone.

Millwall and Doncaster Rovers are a point worse off, and only one clear of Blackpool, after their goalless draw at the New Den.