Glenn Whelan captains Stoke City to victory in the top flight with help from on-target Jonathan Walters, whilst a Stephen Ward goal leads Brighton and Hove Albion to secure the final playoff spot in the Championship.
Premier League
Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan captained Stoke City to a 4-1 victory over Fulham with a strong performance in midfield. Jonathan Walters came on as a substitute and scored his side’s fourth goal of the game, sending the Cottagers into the Championship after 13 years in the top division.
Ciaran Clark’s return to the Aston Villa line up helped his side ensure survival with a 3-1 win at home to Hull City.
Championship
Brighton and Hove Albion secured the final play-off spot and set up a semi-final with Derby County after a 2-1 away win at Nottingham Forest, with Stephen Ward scoring his fourth league goal of the season.
A stoppage time equaliser for Birmingham City at Bolton Wanderers meant that the visitors avoid relegation, after the game ended in a 2-2 draw. Darren Randolph was busy in the away goal; while Ireland Under-21 international Callum Reilly also helped the Blues secure safety.
Wigan Athletic were defeated 4-3 by Blackburn Rovers, who have already booked their place in the playoffs. Despite the score line, James McClean scored for Wigan and Rob Kiernan also had a good game.
Stephen Ward of Brighton Hove & AlbionLeague One
Notts County kept their place in the third tier, after a late penalty from captain Alan Sheehan drew the side 1-1 with Oldham Athletic.
Alan Judge scored the second goal for already-promoted Brentford, in their 2-0 victory over bottom-placed Stevenage.
Leyton Orient’s 3-1 win at Milton Keynes Dons moved the side up to third position in the league and set up a playoff semi-final with Peterborough United. David Mooney scored his team’s third, bringing his league goal haul this season to 19.
League Two
Paddy Madden netted the ball for Scunthorpe United, but a comeback from York City resulted in a 2-2 draw. Chesterfield overtook the Iron at the top of the table and won the League Two title.
A double from Conor Hourihane saw Plymouth Argyle come from behind to draw 3-3 with Portsmouth.
Barry Corr scored the only goal of the game in Southend United's 1-0 win over Burton Albion, leading Southend to climb to fifth in the table. They will now face the same opponents in the playoff semi-final.
Scotland
Anthony Stokes was on target again for Celtic, scoring his 19th goal of the season in the Bhoys 5-2 victory over Aberdeen.
See More: Irish In Britain, Round-up, Soccer
