their return to the English Premier League.

Last night's tense 1-0 win over Birmingham City puts Manchester City five points ahead of Ipswich and means that they will be celebrating promotion this afternoon if Ipswich fail to win away to champions Charlton Athletic.

If Ipswich do cut Manchester City's lead back down to two points then City can seal the second automatic promotion spot with a draw away to Blackburn in their final match next Saturday because of a superior goal difference. Ipswich meet relegation threatened Walsall in their final match.

Last night's winner came in the 39th minute through Goater's strike partner Robert Taylor, his fifth and most important goal for the club since his transfer from Gillingham in November.

The goal came from a set piece on the left, with Kevin Horlock driving in the free kick across the face of the goal and Richard Jobson heading down at the far post for Taylor to force the ball home.

Taylor should have had a second goal midway through the second half when Jeff Whitley was the architect in a move which saw him win the ball and lay it off to Goater. The Bermudian's deft touch to Taylor left him with a clear run at goal but with only the 'keeper to beat Taylor shot straight at him.

In the closing minutes Gerard Wiekens shaved the crossbar with a header from a corner. City's 32,062 crowd erupted at the final whistle with fans invading the pitch as the players were mobbed.