On Wednesday, in the return leg of the Championship play-off matches, Birmingham's WBA defeated Wolverhampton for the second time and advanced to the Play-off final, where they will compete with Derby for the final place in the prestigious Premier League.
1 – 0
(Aggregate score: 4-2)
65‘ [1 – 0] Kevin Phillips
Both teams started the match aggressively, but neither managed to score. Jason Koumas was very active for the home team.
The only and decisive goal came in the 65th minute when Kevin Phillips scored with a header after a pass from Roberto Koreno, adding to his two goals in the first leg between these teams.
After conceding the goal, Wolves pushed forward. WBA also had a chance to score when, following an unsuccessful pass by Sodje to goalkeeper Dean Kiely, a defender cleared the ball just in time from the goal line. Jay Bothroyd had a good opportunity in the 79th minute but missed from the side.
West Bromwich Albion held on and secured their place in the play-off final. On May 28, at the prestigious Wembley Stadium in London, WBA will face Derby, who eliminated Southampton.
Interestingly, this season could be the first time where all three teams relegated from the Premier League in the previous season return. Earlier, Sunderland and Birmingham have already secured their spots in the top division.
If WBA wins against Derby, they will once again become the third team from Birmingham in the Premier League, alongside Birmingham and Aston Villa.