Wolves clinch Championship title as sorry Sunderland relegated to League One

Wolves secured the Championship title with a 4-0 victory over relegation-threatened Bolton at the Macron Stadium, on a day when Sunderland were relegated to the third tier for the second time in the club's 139-year history.

Needing one point from their final three matches to be crowned champions, Wanderers got the job done courtesy of goals from Barry Douglas, Benik Afobe and Diogo Jota plus a Conor Coady penalty. Wolves, already promoted, are two points shy of 100 for the season with games against Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland still to come.

Bolton, now without a win in six matches, are only two points above the drop zone.

Sunderland's relegation was confirmed following a 2-1 defeat to fellow strugglers Burton at the Stadium of Light. Darren Bent returned to haunt his former team, cancelling out Paddy McNair's opener, before Liam Boyce headed in a late winner to leave Burton two points from safety. Sunderland, who had a last-gasp goal disallowed, suffered relegation for the second consecutive season.

Lewis Grabban netted twice as Aston Villa kept their slim automatic promotion hopes alive with a 4-0 victory at 10-man Ipswich. Conor Hourihane and Henri Lansbury were also on target at Portman Road, where Ipswich midfielder Grant Ward was shown a red card for a rash tackle in the 42nd minute.

Goals in either half from Mo Besic and Britt Assombalonga ensured Middlesbrough beat play-off rivals Derby 2-1 and consolidated their place in the top six. David Nugent converted a last-minute penalty for Derby, who are one point off sixth-placed Millwall. Brentford are level with Derby following a 2-1 win over QPR at Griffin Park.​

Bristol City, Preston and Sheffield United saw their play-off hopes damaged after dropping points.

Bristol City let a 4-2 lead slip as they drew 5-5 with Hull in a thriller, North End were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Norwich at Deepdale and Birmingham came from behind to boost their survival hopes with a 2-1 victory over the Blades.

PA