Promotion Race Goes To Final Day

The race for promotion to the Premiership will go to the final day following wins for Stoke and Hull yesterday.

Stoke City managed a 1-0 win at already relegated Colchester United, who left their new stadium with a defeat, whilst a late Ian Ashbee header denied Stoke having an early promotion party. The Potters had been set to end their long absence from the top flight but Ashbee`s winner four minutes from time cut their celebrations short.

West Brom can win promotion tomorrow night but defeat would leave Mowbary`s side nervously looking over their shoulder, with a trip to QPR on the final day of the season being potentially decisive.

Stoke know that only a point at home next week will ensure promotion but they face a Leicester side who will need at least a point, and maybe more if Southampton win tomorrow night, a result that would send Holloway`s side into the bottom three with one game remaining.

City`s task has been made slightly harder with Dean Windass unlikely to feature having had twenty stitches to his shin following a strong challenge by Shaun Derry yesterday.

The match at Ipswich will be beam-backed to the KC Stadium, and a large crowd is expected as Hull hope to win promotion to the top flight for the first time in 104 years.