Hull City 0-0 Bristol City
Premier League promotion watch: Hull City frustrated as Bolton storm into playoffs
Hull City are on the brink of promotion but only managed a goalless draw, as Bolton continued their great run and moved up into the playoffs.
Laurence Griffiths
It was a disappointing night for Steve Bruce’s side, when a win would’ve meant that they only needed a point from their remaining two games to seal their promotion. As it was, they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by relegated Bristol City. Still, the point keeps Hull on course for automatic promotion, four points clear of Watford. A win against struggling Barnsley in their next game will do the trick.
Watford 4-0 Blackburn Rovers
Gianfranco Zola’s Watford have been on a patch run of late, though they recorded their second win in their last eight games with a comprehensive hammering of relegation-threatened Blackburn. They’re guaranteed qualification for the playoffs, though need Hull to completely screw up their remaining two games -- as well as picking up at least four points of their own -- if they are to usurp the Tigers and take automatic promotion.
Brighton & Hove Albion 6-1 Blackpool
Brighton haven’t lost in their last seven, though have only won three times in that streak. Still, their last win was wholly impressive, as they put six past Matt Gilks in a 6-1 hammering of Blackpool. With a four point buffer inside the top six, one win in their last couple of games would secure a playoff place for Gus Poyet’s Seagulls.
Crystal Palace 2-2 Leicester City
This game was the most significant of the round. Crystal Palace were looking to record their first win in six, while Leicester were hoping to pick up their second consecutive victory after a nine game barren streak. As it happened, neither side achieved their aims, and had to settle for a draw. The result is that Palace stay a couple of points inside the top six, while Leicester stay a point adrift.
Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Middlesbrough
Dougie Freedman has done an immense job of turning Bolton's fortunes, and he picked up their fourth win in their last five at home to mid-table Middlesbrough. They have surged into the top six, albeit only a point ahead of Leicester, so can't afford to get comfortable yet.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Barnsley
Forest’s woes continued as their winless run extended to six games against a Barnsley side currently in the bottom three. Forest haven’t scored in their last three matches, and their playoff ambitions have unsurprisingly taken a hit. They’ve dropped two points adrift of the top six, though ought to beat struggling Millwall to end their terrible spell next.
