Key Takeaways
- Coventry City thrashed Portsmouth 5-1 to secure the Championship title and Premier League return.
- Lincoln City beat Doncaster 2-0 to win League One and spark wild celebrations.
- EFL clubs voted against introducing a VAR-style review system next season.
Coventry City ended 24 years outside the top flight by smashing Portsmouth 5-1 to win the Championship crown. Ephron Mason-Clark struck twice, Haji Wright, Regan Poole’s own goal and Kaine Kesler-Hayden completed the rout at a bouncing Ricoh Arena. The Sky Blues had already sealed promotion on Friday after a 1-1 draw at Blackburn, but Sunday’s victory gave Frank Lampard’s men the trophy in style.
Portsmouth’s defence, rock-solid in three straight wins, crumbled after the break. Mason-Clark punished a Nicolas Schmid error moments into the second half, and Poole turned into his own net three minutes later. Adrian Segecic pulled one back for Pompey, yet Mason-Clark and Kesler-Hayden added late gloss. Oxford’s 1-0 loss at Wrexham still left Pompey safe for next season.
Wrexham kept their playoff dream alive thanks to Josh Windass’ first-half strike. The Welsh side jumped above Hull, who drew 2-2 at Leicester, and sit sixth on goal difference. Manager Phil Parkinson praised his players after a tense win that shoved Oxford towards the drop.
Millwall climbed into second with a 3-1 win at Stoke. Goals from Camiel Neghli and Femi Azeez, plus Josh Coburn’s late finish, pushed the Lions three points clear of Ipswich and Southampton with two games left. Alex Neil hailed the club’s best run in 25 years and warned rivals: “We will fight to the end.”
Southampton’s charge stalled at 2-2 with Bristol City. Ryan Manning’s own goal and Sam Bell’s header twice gave the Robins the lead, yet Cyle Larin and Ross Stewart replied. Saints have now drawn three of their last five, leaving automatic promotion out of their hands.
In League One, Lincoln City wrapped up the title with a 2-0 victory at Doncaster. Ben House scored either side of half-time to send 3,000 travelling fans into delirium. Head coach Michael Skubala praised his “machine” of a team for roaring past all expectations.
Off the pitch, Championship clubs have rejected plans for a video review system similar to VAR. The proposed “Football Video Support” would have given managers two appeals per match, but most teams voted it down after a recent survey. Goal-line technology will remain, and League One could adopt it next term if cost plans pass in June.
