The regular 2019/20 Championship Season finished on Wednesday evening with the 46th and final series of fixtures all of which kicked-off at 7.30pm. Leeds United had already secured the Championship Title but the battle for second place and automatic promotion to the Premier League continued with three clubs, West Bromwich Albion(82),Brentford(81)and Fulham(80)in contention. The drama and tension remained right through to the final seconds of the matches with the ‘Baggies’ two all draw with visitors QPR at the Hawthorns proving sufficient to ensure promotion. Dara O’Shea started in an unfamiliar left back position while loanee Callum Robinson was an unexpected starter in the central striker role. The inclusion of Robinson proved a masterstroke as he had an excellent game embellished with the second goal which helped secure promotion. The visitors included Ryan Manning, who scored the opening goal, and Conor Masterson in their starting eleven while Olamide Shodipo was an 81st minute substitute. Brentford suffered a shock home defeat by visitors Barnsley, who were engaged in the relegation battle, but survive courtesy of their two one victory at Griffin Park. Fulham included Harry Arter in their starting eleven with Cyrus Christie on the substitute bench as they played out a one all draw at Wigan Athletic who, with a twelve point deduction hanging over them, fell into a relegation position. Nottingham Forest started the day in fifth place but a crushing four one defeat by visitors Stoke City coupled with victories for the Welsh duo of Cardiff City and Swansea City saw them fall out of the play-off positions. Hull City were defeated by three goals to nil at Cardiff and were relegated. Luton Town had mounted a significant rearguard action in recent weeks and continued in that vein with a three two victory over Blackburn Rovers at Kenilworth Road which ensured their survival. James Collins started for the ‘Hatters’ and scored from the penalty spot in their victory while Daragh Lenihan was in central defence for Blackburn. Charlton Athletic suffered a crushing four nil defeat at champions Leeds United which sees them suffer relegation. Both Josh Cullen and fellow loanee Aiden McGeady started for the ‘Addicks’. Birmingham City went down to a three one defeat by visitors Derby County who included Jason Knight in their starting eleven while loanee Scott Hogan saw just a few minutes of action for the ‘Blues’. There was a more relaxed scenario for Bristol City and Preston North End who played out a one all draw at Ashton Gate where Sean Maguire scored for the visitors while Alan Browne was a 64th minute substitute but Callun O’Dowda was an unused substitute for the hosts. Millwall included Jayson Molumby and Shaun Williams in their starting eleven for their four one victory over visitors Huddersfield Town at the New Den. Stoke City included James McClean in their side with Nathan Collins unused on the substitute bench as they crushed the play-off hopes of Nottingham Forest with a four one victory at the City Ground.
Standings:
Promoted: Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion
Play-offs: Brentford v Swansea City and Fulham v Cardiff City
Relegated: Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Wigan Athletic (subject to appeal)