It was the 59th minute of a game that had not yet lived up to its billing. Blackpool had taken a fortuitous lead on the stroke of half-time and came out all guns blazing; Matt Phillips beating left-back David Murphy before pulling the ball back to Gary Taylor-Fletcher. Six yards out, the striker had the goal at his mercy and half of Bloomfield Road was already celebrating. But Peter Ramage threw himself in front of the shot and saved a second goal. In moments like that, in play-off games, resolute defending can book a ticket to Wembley.

Sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth has revealed that West Brom have contingency plans in place should they need to find a replacement for head coach Roy Hodgson.

Petr Cech has urged Roberto Di Matteo to unleash both Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba on Chelsea's opponents in their triple pursuit of glory.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is drawing inspiration from Chelsea's Champions League heroics as he targets a final-day push for promotion.

Portsmouth will compete in the third tier of English football for the first time in 30 years after their spell in the npower Championship came to a disappointing end against Derby.

Coventry will play npower League One football next season after defeat to Doncaster confirmed their relegation.

Cashless and forced to play youngsters, Coventry City are on the verge of a sadly historic relegation

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has told his team not to get ahead of themselves as they bid to join Reading in earning promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

Reading 1 Nottingham Forest 0

Reading goal hero Adam Le Fondre is taking nothing for granted in the race to secure promotion to the Premier League, even if his side could be up by the end of today.

Crawley have appointed former Reading manager Steve Coppell as the club's new director of football.

Southampton moved three points clear of title rivals Reading after their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Championship's leading scorer Rickie Lambert scored both goals to take his tally to 26 this season.

Barnsley 0 West Ham United 4

Sam Allardyce has urged West Ham to find the killer instinct needed to boost their hopes of automatic promotion from the npower Championship.