Black Cats secure Premiership return

Sunderland will be playing top-flight football next season after today’s victory against Leicester ensured promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship.

Mick McCarthy’s side had to come from behind to defeat the Foxes 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, with Ipswich’s result at Leeds meaning the Black Cats are spared the play-offs this season.

Their celebrations were put on ice when Alan Maybury opened the scoring for the visitors following good work from skipper Danny Tiatto in the fifth minute.

But Marcus Stewart levelled after Chris Brown had slid him through, and Steve Caldwell headed home the winner from a corner in the 60th minute.

McCarthy’s players had to wait briefly for confirmation of Ipswich’s 1-1 draw with Leeds before celebrating.

Joe Royle’s side were on course for a victory when Shefki Kuqi opened the scoring after 11 minutes at Elland Road, twisting and turning before scuffing a shot past Neil Sullivan.

But Matthew Spring, making a rare appearance for Kevin Blackwell’s side, levelled almost immediately to ensure the points were shared.

Wigan remain second despite a disappointing goalless draw against QPR at the JJB Stadium.

Hoops boss Ian Holloway was on a scouting mission in Portugal and missed his heavily-depleted side hold out for a point against the wasteful Latics, who had the better chances.

Nottingham Forest’s relegation appears inevitable but they beat Burnley 1-0 today to give them a slim chance of avoiding the drop.

Kris Commons scored the only goal of the game at the City Ground, drilling in from close range with 20 minutes remaining.

The trip to QPR next weekend, however, could confirm that Gary Megson’s side will be joining Rotherham in League One next season.

Brighton snatched a late leveller against West Ham at the Withdean to boost their hopes of survival.

Nigel Reo-Coker headed in the opener for the visitors, but Dean Hammond headed in a leveller just after the break from a Gary Hart cross.

Marlon Harewood restored the lead after a Chris Powell free-kick was flicked on, but Hammond headed in again from another Hart assist.

Despite dropping two points, Alan Pardew’s side moved back into the top six after Reading’s defeat to Cardiff at Ninian Park.

Peter Thorne opened the scoring for the Bluebirds after 12 minutes when he drilled in after a deep Neal Ardley cross.

Striker Cameron Jerome doubled the lead on the half-hour mark after the visitors failed to deal with a corner.

Late Stoke goals plunged Crewe further into trouble, with Dario Gradi’s side hovering above the drop zone on goal difference.

Lewis Neal scored with 11 minutes remaining after Chris Greenacre nodded Gifton Noel-Williams’ cross across the face of the goal.

Noel-William scored himself with a minute remaining at Gresty Road to give the Potters a 2-0 win.

Gillingham are still in trouble after Derby comfortable defeated them 2-0 at Pride Park.

Morten Bisgaard was on the scoresheet after 33 minutes when he hooked the ball in following good work from Paul Peschisolido.

Peschisolido then sealed the win for the Rams when he fired home with 18 minutes remaining.

Stern John scored the winner for Coventry against Plymouth at Home Park.

The former Birmingham striker toe-poked home on the stroke of half-time to give the Sky Blues the points, and move them closer to survival.

Sheffield United could not find a win to boost their play-off hopes, drawing 0-0 with Watford at Vicarage Road.

Relegated Rotherham were beaten 1-0 by Wolves, with Kenny Miller scoring the winner 10 minutes into the second half.