Wolverhampton Wanderers took on rivals Birmingham City in the Championship with the hosts looking to close in on title glory after being guaranteed promotion.
The hosts took the lead in the 21st minute through Diogo Jota, before City were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Harlee Dean was given his marching orders.
Wolves took advantage of their numerical superiority in the close stages, as Benik Afobe scored to seal a 2-0 victory and leave the club on the brink of being crowned champions.
Relive all of the action with our minute-by-minute updates below.
Good morning everyone and thanks for joining us as we bring you live Championship coverage as Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Birmingham City. Wolves are now guaranteed promotion to the Premier League and will be wanting to wrap up the Championship title today. As for Birmingham, Garry Monk's charges are just two points off the drop with four games to go this term.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS STARTING XI: Ruddy; Bennett; Coady, Boly; Doherty, Neves, Saiss, Douglas; Costa, Jota, Cavaleiro
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS SUBSTITUTES: Norris, N'Diaye, Batth, Afobe, Gibbs-White, Hause, Bonatini
BIRMINGHAM CITY STARTING XI: Stockdale; Harding, Morrison, Dean, Colin; Grounds, Kieftenbeld, Ndoye, Davis, Jota; Jutkiewicz
BIRMINGHAM CITY SUBSTITUTES: Roberts, Gardner, Maghoma, Lowe, Dacres-Cogley, Kuszczak, Lubala
Nuno has opted to make just one change from the side that beat Derby County 2-0 last time out. Helder Costa comes into his side's forward three in place of Benik Afobe and will sit alongside both Diogo Jota and Ivan Cavaleiro going forward.
Ruben Neves continues in the centre of midfield following his stunner the other evening, while Romain Saiss sits alongside him in a more defensive-minded role. Matt Doherty and Barry Douglas are the wing-backs this afternoon.
Looking at City, Monk has opted to bring back Jonathan Grounds into midfield. He has not started since the club's win over Sheffield United. The visitors have led with Lukas Jutkiewicz while further support is to be provided by Maikel Kieftenbeld and David Davis.
Wolves were guaranteed promotion to the Premier League yesterday after Fulham slipped up against Brentford in London to hand Wanderers a top-two finish.
Nuno's men now come into this home clash with the chance to go up as champions should they defeat Birmingham at Molineux.
Having been beaten shockingly by Aston Villa earlier in March, Wolves have gone on another impressive unbeaten run of six matches to help push themselves towards Championship glory.
Wolves do not have the best of records when facing local rivals City in these parts. Wolves have won only two of their last 10 home matches against the Blues in all competitions.
Today could mark a huge milestone in the club's history if they were to all but secure the title at Molineux. Wolves have been leading the Championship since 18 November and have never really looked back since then.
Birmingham's form has fallen off the tracks of late. The Blues won three on the bounce before drawing against Burton and then being beaten 3-1 last time out by Bristol City.
Those troubling results in their last two games have left Birmingham hovering two places above the drop zone, with just two points separating the Blues and 22nd-placed Barnsley.
Across their last six fixtures, Wolves have beaten Birmingham three times, drawn once and lost twice in all competitions.
Wolves beat Birmingham last time out in the reverse of this fixture back in December, Bonatini grabbing an early solo effort to clinch all three points for the visitors.
- Birmingham actually won last time they travelled to Wolves, however, The Blues won 2-1 away at Molineux in February 2017.
PREDICTION: Earning promotion yesterday without kicking a ball will have left this Wolves side in ecstasy, but they will now surely want to back that news up by putting on a performance for the home fans at Molineux today. Birmingham have real issues down at the bottom of the table, though, and Monk's charges will not make things easy. Having said that, Wolves have been head and shoulders above everyone else this term and I'm backing them to secure a 3-1 win here.
Three points today would pretty much seal the title for Wolves, who officially still require four points to completely write off Cardiff going into the final few games of the season. Should Wolves win here, though, Cardiff would pretty much be written out of any kind of race for first spot.
The players are now moving out from the tunnel onto the pitch. We will be underway very shortly at Molineux...
KICKOFF! Wolves get us moving then, kicking from right to left in their orange home strip. Birmingham are in blue and white away from home.
This stadium is absolutely electric early on with the fans celebrating the club's looming return to the Premier League. The hosts have settled quicker and are knocking the ball around nicely. City appear to have already dropped into a back six, yep - six!
Neves aims to get his passing range going in the opening minutes with a raking ball from deep to find the run of Jota, although the pass is overhit and Morrison can sweep up at the back.
Doherty and Douglas are already starting to stretch the game with some promising runs down either flank. The wing-back combination have been outstanding this season. They are essentially playing more like wingers at the moment.
Costa picks up the ball in the middle and goes on a mazing run into the Birmingham box, showing some standout skill to beat his marker and cross for Jota, although the striker gives away a foul when trying to retrieve the ball.
City haven't had much of the ball although they have shown some signs of promising with their pressing and trying to counter by pinching the ball to break. Wolves on top but no chances as yet.
SAVES! Take a bow Ruddy... Wolves fall asleep at the back and Jutkiewicz is slipped in behind, leaving Ruddy to come off his line and make a terrific save to deny the striker. The rebound falls straight back to the frontman who has another go, but again Ruddy leaps up off the deck to keep out the shot. Fantastic keeping...
Nuno is up on the sidelines barking some early orders. Wolves have looked just a little lacklustre at the back, despite being in control at the moment. The hosts are shifting possession nicely through the middle.
Worry signs for Cavaleiro who pulls up after a chase. It looks like a frustrating muscle tear of some kind. That might just be season-ending for the forward, who has enjoyed a wonderful campaign this term.
SHOT! Doherty comes inside and shifts the ball to Neves, who expectantly winds up from range only to curl his effort over the Birmingham goal without troubling Stockdale.
SUBSTITUTION: As we thought, the chance comes as Cavaleiro comes off to be replaced by fellow forward Leo Bonatini.
Wolves have a whopping 72% possessional share at the moment, but Monk will be delighted with just how hard his side have pressed the hosts. Much of the ball has been in non-threatening areas, though.
No real threat from Wolves just yet. More possession just inside the City half sees Costa try to beat his man, although Grounds does well to step in and intercept.
GOAL! WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 1-0 BIRMINGHAM CITY (DIOGO JOTA)
You can't keep this side quiet for long. Doherty makes a wonderful run down the left and is slipped in behind, leaving the wing-back to pick a deft ball across the face of goal, where Jota is left to slide the ball into the net beyond Stockdale. Magical passing from the home team.
City find themselves a little unlucky here, having done well to frustrate Wolves in the first 20 minutes. Ruddy has had to make two fantastic saves to keep the away side out too. Wolves being Wolves have made them pay with a piece of attacking quality befitting of champions elect, though.
The opener has taken some slight pressure off Wolves, who are moving the ball around languidly at the back now. Having a one-goal lead leaves Wolves in their element with this passing style of play.
Monk's charges are continuing to hare into their pressing which worked wonderfully up until the goal. City might have to slightly rethink things if they want to get something out of the game from a losing position. Wolves fans send out the chant for every pass completed. The hosts are taking the biscuit with their possession really.
This has hardly been a game for the neutrals with very few chances or forward moves. Wolves continue to dominate with the ball in the middle, sucking the life out of City second by second.
YELLOW CARD! Pure industry from Grounds in the Birmingham midfield and he absolutely clatters into Jota before going into the referee's book for his troubles.
Costa shows great movement off the last man and he breaks beyond to receive a through-ball from Saiss, but the pass just has a little too much on it and the winger cannot bring the ball under control before it goes out for a goal kick.
SHOT! Magic from the hosts. Costa does brilliantly on the right to spin his marker and move free down the wing. The playmaker cuts the ball back to find Bonatini, although the substitute can only drive straight into the arms of Stockdale.
Costa is making some standout runs at the moment, this time he shakes the marking of Morrison having drifted over from the right, but Ndoye is over to cover and concede the corner.
As we know Wolves are masters at managing games from here on in. Wolves are unbeaten when going in front in the league, winning 27 games and only dropping points in three others after finding the first goal.
You have to feel for Birmingham at the moment, the visitors are having to do so much chasing in this derby. They simply cannot keep this up for a full 90 minutes, which will likely open up more chances for the hosts. Jutkiewicz makes a rare run forward off the last defender, but he is given offside just as Ruddy collects.
YELLOW CARD! More excellent footwork from Costa allows Wolves to keep possession on the right and they simply move the ball back towards the defence to frustrate the chasing pack. Morrison soon goes into the book as he clatters into Jota.
Poor City, they are simply being passed into submission at Molineux... Wolves don't seem too concerned with creating chances going into the interval.
We're going to have three minutes of additional time in the first period.
HALF TIME: WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 1-0 BIRMINGHAM CITY
Wolves are ahead going into the break thanks to a perfect team goal rounded off by Jota. Since then, the hosts have sought to pass Birmingham into the ground. Monk's side started with great endeavour and they might have found themselves in front had it not been for Ruddy. Since those saves, however, Wolves have been in complete control.
Wolves are ahead going into the break thanks to a perfect team goal rounded off by Jota. Since then, the hosts have sought to pass Birmingham into the ground. Monk's side started with great endeavour and they might have found themselves in front had it not been for Ruddy. Since those saves, however, Wolves have been in complete control.
Nuno will likely want another goal to see this game off. It could only take a piece of magic or a set piece for Birmingham to get back into the game. The visitors have pressed hard and that might just have an impact on their energy later in the game.
Expect more of the same in the second period as Wolves look for an opening. City might just have to change something to add some spark going forward, presumably on the counter. Perhaps some more support for Jutkiewicz?
SECOND HALF! We are back moving again in the derby... Wolves break out of the traps with Jota, who comes into the box and crashes an effort into Stockdale from a tight angle.
The home side have started proceedings with more direct intent and a little more zip to their forward passes. Bonatini aims to shape and shoot on the edge of the area, although he is soon closed down by Dean.
Birmingham are very deep at the moment and appear keen to just wait for that moment to counter. Ndoye wins the ball back in the middle of the park, but is soon swarmed on by three Wolves men as the hosts claim back possession.
RED CARD! Hmmm, Costa scampers into space and is able just to knock the ball beyond Dean, who slides in to bring the playmaker down. The ball past the defender might just be running through to Stockdale, but the referee has a good view and gives the defender a straight red.
SUBSTITUTION: The card sees City forced into a sub as Roberts comes on to replace Kieftenbeld.
Neves steps up to take the free kick which is about 30 yards out from goal. The midfielder's effort threatens to test Stockdale, but flies wide of the Birmingham goal.
This mountain has now grown even taller for City, who are a man down and in danger of being passed off the pitch. Expect Wolves to open up now as they go in for the kill.
SAVE! Ruddy needs to be on his toes as City come surprisingly down the left, where the ball is worked into Jutkiewicz, who draws a strong save from the Wolves keeper.
The red card seems to have inspired City somewhat, as they continue to buzz around with their defensive work. The visitors will find it hard to keep this up with just 10 men, though.
The past few minutes have descended into a slight war of attrition. City are looking to profit from long balls forward, but Wolves are holding firm under a wave of pressure from the visitors.
BLOCK! A ball into the middle is cleared only as far as Maghoma, who rattles in a shot towards the bottom corner, where Douglas is able to block the shot before it can test Ruddy down low. Encouragement for the away side.
Birmingham continue to battle in the middle where Wolves always have a man over. Nuno is cutting a slightly aggravated figure on the touchlines. His side have not been at their best in the second half.
Neves has been a little off colour with his passing, but you cannot write off his huge contribution this season. The midfielder leaves himself a little frustrated with a mistimed pass into Costa with the move just starting to look promising.
SUBSTITUTION: And just as I say that, Neves is withdrawn in place of Alfred N'Diaye.
SAVE! Saiss does well to break forward from deep and he is able to get the better of centre-back Roberts. The defensive man aims to flick the ball beyond an onrushing Stockdale, who is able to get a leg out and make a strong save.
SUBSTITUTION: Wolves make another swap as goalscorer Jota is replaced by Benik Afobe up top.
Birmingham have the chance to test Ruddy from a set piece around 25 yards out from goal. Substitute Maghoma tries to bend an effort from range, although Ruddy always has it covered with the ball curling over the crossbar.
Costa glides over to the left where he collects the ball and whips a cross into the middle, but Afobe is just a couple of yards off the pace and the delivery flashes across the face of goal and out for a throw.
Will City decide to throw the kitchen sink soon? A point could be very valuable given their potential relegation plight. Maghoma accepts a dropping ball on the edge of the area, but the shot fades wide without testing Ruddy.
Colin is frustrated as he appears to have won the ball cleanly off N'Diaye to set away a counter inside the Wolves half, but the referee has other ideas and is able to spare the hosts' blushes by awarding the free kick.
Wolves have been stuck in two minds for much of this second period. The home side are working the ball nicely, but there is not too much intent to push forward and grab the second. Will City make them pay?
CHANCE! Wonderful passing now from Wolves, as Douglas latches onto a through-ball down the left channel before squaring into the box. Afobe is the man to collect although his first touch sets him a little off balance and he blazes over the bar.
CLOSE! Birmingham could be level. A scramble inside the area sees the ball fall Jutkiewicz, who is blocked before getting his shot away beyond Ruddy. He has options over too and should just have squared to somebody else to finish.
GOAL! WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 2-0 BIRMINGHAM CITY (BENIK AFOBE)
And then City are punished... N'Diayeat threads a memorable through-ball beyond the last man for Afobe, who simply gets his head up and lobs the ball over Stockdale. Clinical from Wolves. Cheeky finishing too.
We are going to have three minutes of additional time here, Wolves have one hand on the title...
Wolves have just dropped off and appear happy to concede possession with this two-goal advantage. City are running out of ideas with just 10 men. It's been all long balls in these last few moments.
FULL TIME: WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 2-0 BIRMINGHAM CITY
Fantastic scenes here as Wolves celebrate their promotion with plenty of champagne. This win ultimately hands them the title too. Wolves require just a single point now to be crowned champions. They may not even need that point either should Cardiff slip up in their final handful of games. As for Birmingham, they now have plenty of work to do to stave off slipping into the bottom three. That's going to be all from me today, thanks for joining us!
Written by
Christopher Dodd
Christopher Dodd
