Burnley defeat Sheffield United 1-0 in the Championship to leave the Swans three points from the play offs

Martin Paterson scored the only goal of the game to lift the Clarets into 5th place in the division and probably in the process end Sheffield United's realistic hopes of automatic promotion.

A win for Birmingham on Saturday will see them join Wolves next season in the Premier League and leave the Blades - ironically the Swans opponents at the weekend - in the play offs.

The Swans hopes now seem to lie in catching Reading who face Derby away tonight and if they lose and the Swans win at Bramall Lane then the Royals will travel to Norwich next Monday night level on points with the chasing pack having fallen away dramatically over the course of the last three months.

Cardiff play their game in hand tonight at Charlton knowing that a point will secure their place in the play offs whilst one more win in their two games for Burnley will do the same for them.

Hopes are not yet over for the Swans but the Monday night result left them alot more distant than they were before kick off.

Burnley manager Owen Coyle said "We stood up to everything they had and didn't have too many saves to make. But if you look at the other end, Paddy Kenny was outstanding, and he kept them in it.

"We scored a terrific footballing goal and I felt when we did get the ball down and pass and move -although it was frantic at times - we showed great composure on the ball.

"The three points were important but the level or performance is what were after at this stage of the season against a very good side who are going for automatic promotion.

"We more than merited the three points tonight and I'm just disappointed we didn't add to our goal tally."

Photo: Action Images

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