Wigan Safe as Stoke Skulk Over Premiership Finishing Line.

Hugo Rodallega's late header gifted Wigan Premiership Survival while a poor end to the season for Stoke leaves a dirty mark on a otherwise tremendous season.

Stoke had the better of the early going at the Britannia and sent Wigan fan's hearts racing on a number of occasions early on.

Ireland international Jon Walters managed to flick the ball past Al-Habsi after just 11minutes only to see the referees assistant on the far side raise his flag to indicate offside, Walters having strayed into an offside position just before Jone's initial effort had rocketed towards the Irish man's feet.

The Wigan keeper didn't look comfortable coming for and collecting Stoke's crosses and long throws courtesy of Delap and Etherington while Jermain Pennant kept the Wigan number 26 busy with a strike from distance just before the half.

As bad as Wigan were in the first half, lacking in confidence both on and off the ball their second half performance saw them reignite the fires in their hearts and test Stoke keeper Begovic.

Rodallega and N'Zogbia tried cause havoc running at the Stoke back four while Sammon and Watson both saw efforts saved and blocked respectively.

Stoke in the mean time struggled coming forward as Wigan's defence held firm the runs of Pennant and dealt with Jones and Walters on the edge of the area.

Wigan's survival saving goal came 11 minutes from time when Charles Figureoa broke down the left before floating in a wonderful cross that found the head of Rodallega and sailed into the back of the net.

Stoke rallied and the final 5 minutes of the season saw Wigan backed up in their 18 yard box, but their pressure lead to very little and Wigan were able defend in numbers and clear when needed.

Wigan's win sees them stay in the Premiership while Stoke finish down in 13th denied a top half finish that would have seen them reach their highest league position since 1974/75.

Stoke v Wigan: Team News

Stoke: Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Collins, Wilson, Pennant, Whelan, Delap, Etherington, Walters, Jones.

Wigan: Al Habsi, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Boyce, Figueroa, McCarthy, Watson, N'Zogbia, Diame, Sammon, Rodagella.

Wigan opting for an aggressive 4-3-3 approach for todays game as they look for the win that could bring them Premier League survival, N'Zogbia, Rodallega and Sammon the forward men for the Northeners.

Stoke see Etherington Pennant Delap and Jones return to the starting lineup as they opt for the a more traditional 4-4-2 appearance.

Should He Stay or Should He Go

The majority of the back pages this week have been dedicated to one event coming this weekend, the 5 team fight for Premiership survival. However there have been two managers who have been discussing something other then the potential plight of Wigan, Wolves, Blackburn, Birmingham and Blackpool in the nations football columns.

Arsene Wenger and King Kenny Dalglish have been discussing the selections of a few of their key players to England's Under 21 squad that is set to take on their European challenge in Denmark this summer.

Before I continue those that know me will probably be able to guess what I'm about to say and to them I say this.

Although in years gone by I have been known to take the sort of stance towards Arsenal and Arsene Wenger that Alan Green has for the whole of the top four, this article has nothing to do with my dislike of the North Londoners. In fact this season my dislike has been overshadowed by a overwhelming admiration for the way the Gunners can play when at their best. The article instead has more to do with my dislike of the “golden era” that has hung over the heads of the England International squad like a bad smell and as a result has hampered the development and evolution of that side (especially the midfield that for too long waited for Gerrard and Lampard find a chemistry that never could materialise while players such as Scott Parker were left in the shadows).

As I said both Wenger and Dalglish have key members of their squads called up for the sumer tournament. Wenger's midfield mastermind Jack Wilshere will be making the trip while both Andy Carroll and Jay Spearing's participation in the tournament yet to be decided.

While Dalglish has welcomed the opportunity being given to his players, the chance to not only represent their country but also gain valuable big match experience being too good, in his mind, for his players to turn down.

Wenger on the other hand has become upset with the idea of his young prodigy being involved in the tournament. Speaking to the media mid week Wenger openly criticized the FA's decision to give Wilshere his call for duty.

"We have to accept and respect the choice, even if I think it is the wrong decision," the French manager said.

“[Jack Wilshere] is in the red for a while now and this can be a risk for his health. He knows that he is nearly at the end of his energy level but he is keen to do well. He has played nearly 50 games this year. To go to a tournament for me is a massive risk.

"I have not seen a player come back from a big tournament and play well before October."

I have no problem with Wenger being worried about the toll that an International Tournament will have on his young star. Wilshere is of course only 19 and at that age cannot be expected to be fully fit especially having played a 50 game season for the first time in his career.

However the class that Wilshere has shown over the past 12 months cannot be overlooked by Stuart Pierce and his selection team who are of course going out to Denmark to win a major Under-21 tournament. The experience the young Gunner has gained in both league and Champions League fixtures will be invaluable to both him and his team mates as the tournament continues and will allow Wilshere to take up a strong leadership role within the squad.

The opportunity to play at a competitive level in an England shirt will also aid Fabio Capello's job as England manager.

One excuse that has been used time and time again for not bringing in new faces into the England starting XI has been the lack of tournament and big game experience possessed by England's youth. With a Champions League campaign and a summer tournament under his belt there would be little doubt in many peoples mind that Wilshere (should he continue his current form) would be equipped to play a key role in the centre of England's midfield in a similar way that Xavi or Pirlo have done for Spain and Italy respectively.

There are positives for both England and Wilshere himself should he play a role in Denmark 2011 but these would be little concern to Wenger right now, a manager who maybe feeling under pressure after throwing away a title challenge this year and having a bare trophy cabinet for the last seven seasons.

However Wenger's young Gunners squad could also stand to gain from the summer antics of the Arsenal number 19. Arsenal have one of the youngest squads in the English Premiership and have done year after year. This has given Wenger to mould players into what he needs them to be at an early age and has given the football his side play an incredible tempo created by some very gifted athletes. However Wenger's men have also been accused on occasion of lacking the mental ability to finish off a season. This has been a criticism of his 2010/11 squad and their disappointing final charge to the end of the season.

Despite the possibility of a tired or injured Wilshere, a situation that could force the youngster to miss the early part of the League campaign, the looming departure of Fabregas (we all look forward to another summer of will he, won't he) means that the Arsenal midfield will be looking for a new leader in the centre of the park, especially in the final 10 weeks of the season. Wilshere again could be someone to take on that role. His fight and drive in the centre of the park reflects a similar attitude to the midfield battle as Player of the Year Scott Parker has shown this season. To have that sort of attitude in a 19 year olds body would be a valuable asset to any side, especially one that needs to learn not to fall at the final hurdle as Arsenal have done in previous years.

It's easy to see where Wenger's complaints are coming from. A nasty knock or tired legs could hamper the start to Arsenal's season and over working the 19 year is clear and present danger. But the positives for both club country and player (in my opinion) outweigh the negatives.

Will Wenger change his mind?

"I'm happy if the U21s do very well, because I want him to do very well, but I still think it is not the right decision."

Unlikely.

Villa Duo's Futures Still in the Balance.

Following their impressive win last Sunday away at Arsenal both Ashley Young and Nigel Reo-Coker ran towards the traveling fans throwing their shirts to the ecstatic supporters.

Both Young and Reo-Coker are expected to be donning a different shirt to the ones they currently wear for the 2011/12 season but caretaker manager Gary McAllister was quick to play down the significance of the pair's gesture.

“No” was the Scotsman's simple and self-explanatory answer when question if the duo's display had a deeper meaning to their future at the clubs.

“Theres no signals there, its just the fact that we really appreciate the support because they've [the fans] been very patient. Its not been a great year but as much as they've been frustrated they've stuck by us they've been there and we want to celebrate it.

If Young and Reo-Coker do leave in the summer no one will suffer more than January signing Darren Bent who has stacked up 9 goals in 15 appearances thanks to the service provided by Villa's strong, talented midfield.

“I thought in the first half those three [Bent, Young and Downing] were electric and they caused Arsenal's back four a few problems.” McAllister continued.

“Goal scorers need service and he's got two people that are providing him that and the rest of the team.”

McAllister could stop singing the praises of the England international describing him as “ a great signing since the first minute he arrived” adding that “the guys been excellent around the place”.

But more importantly for Villa, Bent has shone on the pitch and his two goals were indicators of the amount of talent the striker possesses. His second showed the cool calm composure when faced with a keeper one-on-one slotting the ball first time past a helpless Sczezney, while his first showed off his balance and control not only bringing the ball under control with a wonderful chest but then keeping his balance to loop a volley over the shoulder of the Arsenal keeper while falling backwards.

“Its a great goal” beamed a delight McAllister.

“A wonderful goal because he's obviously falling back, he's off balance but he still managed to control a little dink over Sczezney so a great goal and I thought the second goal was particularly pleasing because theres two quality passes a lovely bit of movement and the finish at the end of it so its not bad”

McAllister and Bent will both be hoping that Villa's talented squad isn't torn apart by interest from the Premier League big boys, but with Liverpool, Spurs and United all interested in Ashley Young the Claret and Blue may have to look for a replacement in time for the start of next season.

A Defining Summer

About a month ago I walked the 10 minute walk from Finsbury Park tube station to The Emirates. It was a bright Sunday afternoon and both sets of supporters were in high spirits as they drifted through the streets of the residential area surrounding Arsenal's multi million pound stadium. Liverpool were continuing their run of good form under the management of Anfield hero Kenny Dalglish, while Gunners fans were dreaming of finally getting their hands on the Premier League trophy and bring an end to the trophy-less drought of the last 7 years.

That same walk one month on however had a very different atmosphere. Grey clouds littered the sky and both sets of fans were near silent as they mulled through the surrounding residential area. There were no calls from the burger vans, the few fans that were outside trudged the streets shoulder slumped and the spark of excitement of a few weeks ago was nowhere to be found. It summed up a season that for the Gunners will go down as another wasted opportunity.

With eight games left in the Premier League Arsenal had the title's destiny in their own hands. Four points behind United with a game in hand and a game against their rivals still to be played at the Emirates Wenger's men had to do just one thing, keep composed and keep winning when it mattered.

A win against Blackpool had picked up dressing room spirits after 3 consecutive draws to lesser opposition, and despite the disappointment of a late equaliser at home to Liverpool Fabregas and co still had a chance at getting their hands on some silverware.

But then disaster.

First a 3-1 lead away at Spurs turned into a 3-3 draw to their London rivals, then a late header from Cohen saw Arsenal suffer a devastating loss on the road at bogey side Bolton and despite a 1-0 win at home to United a 3-1 thumping from Stoke pushed the Gunners back to 3rd and left Wenger to ponder what might have been.

With Champions League football a guarantee next year Arsenal fans now have a late Man City charge to worry about as the season comes to a close, and with 3rd place now out of their own hands thanks to yesterday's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa Arsenal's season has well and truly hit free fall.

With just 5 points from their last 6 games the Gunners' form is the 3rd worst in the Premiership. That combined with a 6% increase in ticket prices next year leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of the clubs supporters, so much so that during the customary lap of the pitch at the final home game Fabregas and co were applauded by a mere handful of fans, the others leaving the ground loudly voicing their displeasure at both the season and the imminent price rise for tickets.

Wenger says that he knows whats wrong at the club and has tried to take the majority of the blame off his players and place it on his own shoulders, even going as far as to talk about spending a sizeable amount of money in next summers transfer window and breaking away from the youth development policy that has entertained but ultimately left the Arsenal trophy cabinet empty for the last 7 years.

Whatever the problems at the North London giants their fans will be expecting more then a 4th place finish in 2011/12. This summer will shape that title challenge and after putting the blame on himself Wenger may need to win some silverware or else face ending his tenure as Arsenal manager.

Pulis Proud Despite Cup Heartbreak

Stoke City's dream of a first FA Cup trophy were destroyed at Wembley when Yaya Toure blasted home the afternoon's only goal, handing Manchester City their first trophy in 35 years.

Stoke could find no reply in the closing minutes and it was the Blue half of the stadium that erupted into cheers at the final whistle.

Pulis' men had struggled for the majority of the game seemingly playing with 9 men at times due to Robert Huth and Matthew Etherington attempts to shrug off their respective injuries and play their part in the big day.

City's attack kept Sorensen busy straight from the word go, the Danish keeper getting a hand on first Tevez's deflected effort and then a finger to Balotelli's curling strike to deny the Blue side of Manchester a early lead.

"I've been looking forward to this game all my career," Sorensen said after the game. "I wanted to win it so desperately, but I don't think I could have done anything more on the day."

After David Silva's effort bounce into the ground and over Stoke could have felt that going into half-time all square they had survived the worst and that maybe today was their day. Indeed after the break Stoke had a spring in their step and began to try and take the game to City, their best (and only) shot on goal fallinf to Kenwyne Jones, the towering Trinidadian brushing away Lescott only to see his effort blocked by a sprinting Joe Hart.

15 minutes later it City finally broke the deadlock, Yaya Toure smashing the ball through the crowd from 10 yards out after Balotelli's strike had been blocked and bounced invitingly to the feet of the midfielder.

Stoke struggled to press City in the final minutes and Pulis' side looked tired and beaten as the final whistle rang out. But the Stoke boss was still proud of his players and the season they've had.


“I am very proud of what the players have done this season and they can hold their heads high, even though they are desperately disappointed today,” said Pulis after the game.

“ Unfortunately, we couldn't produce the level of performance that we have done in recent matches and if I knew the reason for that, then I'd be a genius.

“ If we look at the season overall, the players have been fantastic and we have achieved so much.

“We've secured a fourth season in the Premier League and have an excellent chance of finishing in the top half of the table, we've reached the FA Cup Final and we've qualified for Europe, so that isn't bad at all, is it.”

Villa Shock Slow Firing Gunners

Two strikes from Darren Bent were enough to give his side a well deserved victory and mathematically secure Villa's Premier League status for 2011/12 season.

Bent's double will help ease both Villa's fans and board that the £20ish million the midlands paid to Sunderland was a worth while investment and caretaker manager Gary McAllister was quick to sing his praises after the final whistle

“What a great signing. Since the first minute he [Bent] arrived he's been class.

“ The guys been excellent around the place. It was a big show of faith by the owners of Aston Villa to go and invest the money, and I think people raised their eyebrows a wee bit at the start of that transfer window but at the end of the month when people went for 50 and 35 million I think he's looking like not a bad buy.”

Arsenal took most of the first half to really click into gear and Villa mad the majority of chances in the opening 45 minutes.

“I thought we could have been three maybe four.

“There was two of their back four who maybe were a little rusty, they'd been out a while and I think we caught them a little bit by surprise.”

The second half saw Arsenal come out firing with the introduction of both Chamakh and later Bendtner but the visitors defended in numbers and held fast for almost 90 minutes, referee Michael Oliver providing a helping hand by dubious ruling out Chamakh's header on 75 minutes after the young Moroccan was deemed to have pushed Walker as he rose into the air.

Villa couldn't hold the onslaught forever but Robin van Persie's 89th minute goal wasn't enough stop Villa from snatching all three points on a special afternoon for the visitors and their fans.

“This is a fixture that you always look for” McAllister finished with.

“It takes care of itself as far as motivation, players should want to come to grounds like this and win, because when you do you've done something so the players can be very happy.”

Bent Double Sees Villa Safe and Arsenal Sorry

Darren Bents two goals in the opening 15 minutes punished a slow to start Arsenal handing the Gunners a 2-1 loss and their third defeat in four games.

Darren Bent shocked a flat footed Arsenal when he was able to latch onto Kyle Walker's chip through ball bringing the ball under control with his chest and looping an awkward volley past Szczesny to the delight of the visiting fans.

Bent doubled Villa's advantage just 3 minutes later, Ashley Young providing the through ball for the £18 million man as he slide between Squillaci and Sagna tucking the ball neatly past the helpless keeper.

Bent could have had his third just after the interval, breaking onto the lose ball after a mistake from Song, but with Vermaelen shadowing him all the way Bent's effort was scuffed and saved easily by the young keeper.

Arsenal struggled to get started, their first real chance of the opening 45 falling to Aaron Ramsey after half an hour. Walcott's chipped through ball fell perfectly to the feet of the young midfielder but Richard Dunne flung himself towards the ball, taking very little (if any) of the ball and bringing down Ramsey in the process but referee Michael Oliver let the game continue waving away protests from the men in red.

Robin van Persie struck the foot of the Villa post 10 minutes from the break after Wilshere let Dutch man through on goal before firing across Friedel, the ball clipping the post and bouncing clear.

The Gunners pressure continued for most of the second half, the introduction of Chamank at the half and Bendtner after 60 minutes giving Arsenal more support and options up front.

The chances rained down on the Villa goal as Arsenal set up camp on their 18 yard box but Friedel and co were a match to almost everything that came at them, Kieran Gibbs seeing his effort stopped from point blank by the American keeper, while Dunne and Collins threw themselves in front of efforts from Chamank Ramsey and Walcott.

Arsenal should have had one with 15 minutes to go but Michael Oliver controversially ruled that the young Morrocan had pushed Collins while going up for the header giving a free-kick to the visitors rather then the goal.

Oliver finally allowed an Arsenal name on the score sheet when Robin van Persie fired home from close range after Bendtner was dispossessed in the Villa box, but that was all the Gunners could manage on a miserable afternoon in North London.

Villa now safe can enjoy the last day of the season at home against Liverpool while Arsenal will be left wondering what happened in the last 2 months of the season.

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MAXImum Fire Power

A hat-rick from Maxi Rodrigues helped Liverpool to a 5-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The visitor wasted little time in opening the scoring Rodrigues firing home a lose ball in the Fulham box with just 34 seconds gone after Suarez's cross caused Schwarzer and his defence problems.

The Liverpool midfielder had his second 5 minutes later when Glen johnson broke down the right flank, clipping in a delicious ball that Rodriguez volleyed past the Fulham keeper.

Dirk Kuyt made it three when his effort from the right corner of the box flew straight at Schwarzer and near post, but in a Gomez like moment of madness the Australian number one failed to deal with the powerful strike, letting strike his arm and ping into the back of the net.

Liverpool were a joy to watch, their one touch passing and speed from midfield leaving Fulham chasing shadows and creating chance after chance.

Suarez was pulling many of the strings, drifting wide and cutting inside at every possible moment and his play gave Maxi a chance to grab his third inside 25 minutes, finding the Argentinian on the edge of the box, but his volley sailed over to the delight of the fans.

His third eventually came after 70 minutes, picking up a lose ball 25 yards out before drifting right and unleashing a cracking strike across goal that roared past Schwarzer and lashed into the top left-hand corner.

Liverpool's fifth capped a magnificent Suarez performance, substitute Shelvey sliding the ball between the Fulham defence allowing Suarez to round Schwarzer and cap a wonderful night for the Reds.

Fulham had their moments but they were few and far between. Poor passing and lack of composure meant their first half performance was little more then an annoyance to the visitors, Clinton Dempsey providing the only real effort on goal but his volley was cleared off the line by Johnson.

Dembele made it 3-1 after Baird and substitute Zamora linked well to create an opening for the Fulham striker to curl his low shot into the bottom corner of Reina's net and Steve Sidwell's emphatic strike late on got Fulham a second, but the spectacular strike from 20 yards out did little to sweeten the bitter taste of a 5-2 thrashing in front of a home crowd.

Fulham v Liverpool

Fulham v Liverpool
Craven Cottage
9/5/2011
K.O. 20:00

Fulham welcome Liverpool to the banks of the river Thames on monday night with both teams in fine form. Having bagged 7 goals in their last 3 outings Fulham will be looking for a win that would see them jump up to 8th in the Premier League and have Mark Hughes' men snapping at the heals of Everton in 7th.

Liverpool on the other hand will be looking to continue their impressive run and a win tonight would life King Kenny's men above Spurs in the race for a Europa League spot next season.

Liverpool have notched up 9 goals their last three fixtures and strikers Suarez and Carroll will be looking to continue the Red's form in front of goal.

Fulham will be missing Damien Duff for the rest of the season, but both Dempsey and Hangeland should return from injury and illness respectively tonight.

Liverpool will still be missing Daniel Agger and Steven Gerrard but Dalglish has no fresh injury worries for tonights fixture.

Match Facts

Fulham

• Fulham are the only Premier League club yet to concede a goal from a penalty this season. The only one they have given away was missed by Manchester United's Nani back in August.
• Andrew Johnson and Danny Murphy are two goals shy of 50 in the Premier League.
• Fulham have won six of their last seven at Craven Cottage, drawing the other.
• During this run of seven games, only Blackburn have managed to breach the Cottagers' defence.

Liverpool

• Only Chelsea (35 points) have taken more points than Liverpool (30) since Kenny Dalglish was appointed manager of the Reds.
• Liverpool are the only Premier League club to have scored in all their Premier League fixtures (17) in 2011.
• Dirk Kuyt has scored eight goals in the club's last seven league matches.
• If selected, Sotirios Kyrgiakos will be making his 50th Liverpool appearance in all competitions.

Stoke Squash Arsenal's Title Dream

Stoke 3-1 Arsenal

Despite a late fightback Tony Pulis' men finished off Arsenal's title hopes with a deserved win at the Britannia.

Kenwin Jones opened the scoring just before the half hour mark, escaping the marking of Djourou before meeting Jermaine Pennants free-kick with his chest to bundle in his 9th league goal of the season.

Pennant doubled Stoke's lead 5 minutes before the break. Dispossessing Ramsey Pennant ran that the Arsenal back four. Sagna and co continued to back off until Pennant reached the 18 yard box lashing an effort on goal. His attempt clipped off the toe of Djourou and looped over the head of keeper Szczesny who's flapping hand couldn't guide the ball away from its eventual resting place, the back of the net.

Stoke could have had a third before the close of the half when Walters got the better of Sagna and unleashed a curling strike that clipped the top of the Arsenal goal and over.

Arsenal dominated possession in the second half, but their lack of final product created frustration that on occasion boiled over, Jack Wilshere receiving a booking for his tussle with Pennant after a pair of overly aggressive challenges.

The Gunners finally pulled one back 9 minutes from time, Robin Van Persie's right footed effort slipping under Bergovic's body to give Arsenal a glimmer of hope.

But minutes later Stoke wrapped up all three points when Djourou's clearance of Wilkinson's shot fell straight to Walters who took full advantage of the space given to him and tucked home from yards out.

"It speaks volumes for these players as a group that they produced a performance like that with the FA Cup Final only six days away," Pulis commented.

"They gave 110% and that just shows the character and spirit in the camp.

"It may be the greatest day in the Club's history next weekend, but it's also a massive, massive achievement that we have now secured a fourth season in the Premier League and could improve again upon our finish.

"It's important, however, that we don't take anything for granted and that showed in the way that the players gave their best today."

Stoke, full of confidence, now turn their attentions to Wembley and the FA Cup Final where they will take on another Premiership big boy in the form of Manchester City.

Saddlers Safe Despite Final Day Nightmare.

Southampton 3-1 Walsall


Walsall crawl to League safety despite falling away from home to a soaring Saints performance.

With their League One fate in their own hands Walsall needed a win to guarantee survival. Southampton although not mathematically could risk conceding a bagful and still be sure of automatic promotion.

The Saints however were in no mood to roll over and hand Walsall an easy win.

Guly stuck the first knife into the backs of the traveling Saddlers' fans on 26 minutes firing home after Jordan Cook cheaply lost Walsall the ball. Three minutes later Connolly added a second wound firing past Walker at his near post sucking the life out of a desperate Walsall side.

Hope wasn't lost for the visitors when Gray skipped through the Saint's defence shooting past Kevin Davies to cap a superb goal that turned Dean Smith's half time team talk into a slightly more upbeat affair.

Smith's efforts to boost his side to a win failed to inspire as Southampton crushed Walsall's attempt to grab a share of the points when on 65 minutes substitute Alex Chamberlin picked up the ball on the Southampton wing, cut inside and blasted past Jimmy Walker in the Walsall goal to mathematically seal promotion and leave the Saddlers waiting for final scores from Peterborough and Colchester.

To Walsall's delight Peterborough smashed 5 past Dagenham while Bristol Rovers were unable to win at Colchester (let alone win by the 15 or so goal margin needed for survival) leaving the Midlands boys safe just one point off the drop zone and Dean Smith safe in the knowledge that his side will be playing football in League One in 2011/12.

Despite the loss Walsall keeper James Walker was delighted with Walsall's survival achievment.

"This is a fantastic achievement, we looked down-and-out in January, but we've dug in and showed great character.

"I'm obviously disappointed about today's result and conceding three goals hurt as it always does, but we can't take anything away from what we have achieved.

"It's a great feeling and I am so pleased for everyone connected to the club. When I came back here I just wanted to do my best and help us move up the table. We've done that and it's so special."

Ten minute Goal Rush Sees Coventry Deny Norwich a Perfect Sendoff.

Norwich 2-2 Coventry



Both sides seasons were finished before the final day of the season. But a 10 minute period in the second half showed that even with nothing on the line, in modern football, their is rarely a dull day.

Norwich, despite already securing promotion, came out firing. David Cross fired wide from 25 yards out while Zak Whitbread had to watch his close range effort cleared off the line. Canaries' skipper Holt had his best effort of the half saved in spectacular fashion by Michael Quirke.


It was Coventry however who opened the scoring and the floodgates in a 10 minute flood of finishes. Chris Hussey's effort was saved by Ruddy, but the rebound dropped at the feet of defender Keogh who poked the ball home from close range.

Two minutes later however Norwich pulled level, Marc Tierney's cross being met by a thumping header from Holt that flew into Coventry's net.

Just when the fans thought the action was over Norwich took the lead, Dani Pacheco, brought on to replace Holt just after his skippers goal, creating a mazey run into the Coventry box before blasting the home side into the lead 6 minutes after his side pulled level.

But it was Coventry who had the last laugh when two minutes after falling behind striker Jutkiewicz latched on to Hussey's low cross to pull the Sky Blues level and make sure that next years Premiership new boys left the Championship without 3 points under their belt.

Owls Fall in 15 Minutes of Lethargy.

Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Exeter

"Chalk and Cheese." Gary Megson's description of a Wednesday performance that went from sublime to horror show as the Owls threw away victory in the dying minutes.

Starting strong Megson's men began full of energy and a desire that matched that of a playoff challenger rather then one aimlessly wandering in the mid table. Their early pressure brought them a deserved opener.

Minutes after James O'Conner saw his curling effort tipped away by Krysiak, Jermain Johnson was set free down the Wednesday left flank before cutting between the Exeter back 4 and lashing a powerful strike into the top right hand corner of Exeter's net.

The Owls continued to press as the half continued and Krysiak was kept busy for much of the opening 35 minutes, first denying O'conner again, then Johnson and finally when beaten seeing Mellor's effort cleared off the line by defender Richard Duffy.

However after the break the Owls pressure eased off and Exeter were allowed to begin creating chances. The open flowing game soon turned into a scrappy untidy affair as chances became few and far between.

Exeter striker Nardiello came closest striking the post after his close range effort was poked against a Wednesday leg, while Nicky Weaver flapped and pawed away the rebound from danger.

Fifteen minutes from time James O'Conner game away possession in the middle of the park and Richard Dunne broke down the centre, sliding a pass outside to Nardiello who fired home from a tight angle 8 yards from goal to bring the visitors level.

Wednesday failed to recover and when substitute Potter was dispossessed by centre-back Archibalde-Henville the pacey defender ran half the length of the pitch, step inside a defender and tucked the ball coolly past Weaver to grab an 88th minute winner.

Wednesday disappointing second half of the season means they end the year in the bottom half of the table while Exeter match their best ever finish in league football (eighth) and miss out on a playoff spot by just one point.