Leeds, Burnley close in on promotion to Premier League
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Leeds United players celebrating after defeating Oxford United 1-0 to boost their hopes of automatic qualification to the Premier League.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Leeds United and Burnley both took a massive step towards a return to the English Premier League with narrow victories on April 18, as the Championship season reaches an enthralling climax.
Burnley briefly topped the standings after a 2-1 victory over Watford before Leeds returned to the summit on goal difference thanks to a 1-0 win at Oxford United.
With three games left, both teams – who have 91 points – could wrap up automatic promotion on April 21.
Leeds forward Manor Solomon scored what turned out to be the winner after 33 minutes, blasting a shot into the roof of the net from close range after a Jayden Bogle pass.
“Too many crazy games in this league. Nothing is done yet,” said manager Daniel Farke.
“All upcoming games will be difficult. If you want to be successful... this league is relentless and we have to be relentless ourselves. If we keep going with focus, we have a good chance for something to cheer about.”
Burnley fell behind at Watford but Zian Flemming equalised and Josh Brownhill's second-half strike secured the points against a Watford side who ended with nine men after Moussa Sissoko and Edo Kayembe were sent off.
The Clarets are now unbeaten in 30 league games.
“It’s a massive three points for us. We knew the challenge coming here; a good side, a physical team and that was proven today,” manager Scott Parker said.
“I was pleased with our mentality and our calmness in that moment, really, because I think anyone in the stadium could see the game became very, very physical.”
If Leeds beat Stoke City on April 21 and Burnley defeat Sheffield United, both will secure promotion to the top flight.
Third-placed Sheffield kept alive their hopes of automatic promotion with a 2-0 home win over relegation-threatened Cardiff City to move to 86 points.
In the race for play-off places, Frank Lampard’s Coventry City bolstered their hopes with a 2-0 win over 10-man West Bromwich Albion in a Midlands derby, while fifth-placed Bristol City clinched a 2-1 victory over fourth-placed Sunderland.
Sunderland have 76 points with Bristol on 67 and Coventry on 66.
Middlesbrough are still aiming to finish in the top six as Tommy Conway converted a 93rd-minute penalty to give them a 2-1 win over bottom club Plymouth Argyle.
Luton Town, meanwhile, hope to avoid successive relegations as Millenic Alli’s first-half goal helped them beat Derby County 1-0, the result leaving both teams on 43 points.
Plymouth have 40 points and Cardiff are second from the bottom with 42. REUTERS
