Weekend roundup

On another thrilling weekend of English football, promotions and relegations were confirmed and Manchester United took a huge step towards Premier League glory. Here's what happened around the leagues.

Premier League

At half time at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, Liverpool were firmly in charge of the title race. Mad Rafa's side had beaten Hull City 3-1 earlier in the day, and Manchester United were 2-0 down to Tottenham Hotspur. A shocking decision from Howard Webb gave United a penalty after the break, and they went on to win 5-2.

At the bottom, West Bromwich Albion's thumping of Sunderland put the Black Cats right back in trouble, while Hull's defeat to Liverpool left them treading water just above the drop zone. They were helped by Arsenal's 2-0 win over Middlesbrough yesterday, which sees Boro stay in the bottom three. Newcastle United and Portsmouth play this evening. Blackburn Rovers are nearly safe after beating Wigan Athletic.

Chelsea kept themselves ahead of Arsenal with a win at West Ham United, while Aston Villa increased their lead over Everton despite only drawing at Bolton Wanderers. Everton slumped to a 2-1 home defeat by Manchester City, only their second away win of the season.

Championship

The late game on Saturday saw Birmingham City fail to win promotion to the Premier League. City required only one win from their last two games to secure automatic promotion, but choked at home to allow Preston North End to win 2-1 after going behind to keep their playoff hopes alive. Cardiff City went down 3-0 at home to Roy Keane's Ipswich Town and Burnley drew at Southampton (Southampton therefore relegated regardless of their points deduction).

Promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers drew at Barnsley to keep things interesting at the bottom. With Charlton Athletic and Southampton already down, Barnsley and Nottingham Forest - who drew at Blackpool - still face a battle to stay up, as Norwich City still have six points to play for. Plymouth are also still in slight danger, having drawn at Queens Park Rangers.

League One

Peterborough's win at Colchester United secured Posh's automatic promotion to the Championship under Darren Ferguson. Millwall won against Leyton Orient, MK Dons lost to Walsall, Leeds United won at Hartlepool and Tranmere drew with Yeovil. Of those, Tranmere are the only team under threat of losing a playoff place - Scunthorpe United, who beat Crewe Alexandra 4-3 on Friday, will catch them with four points from their last two games.

At the bottom, Cheltenham Town could only draw with Carlisle United and are relegated along with Hereford United. Carlisle and Crewe can still save themselves, though Crewe will require a big goal difference swing to catch Brighton and Hove Albion, who drew at Huddersfield Town. Carlisle could catch Brighton and Northampton Town (if they lose both their remaining matches) and, with a five-goal swing, Hartlepool.

League Two

The big game at the bottom of League Two ended in a 2-1 win for AFC Bournemouth over Grimsby Town. The result ensured the Cherries' survival, while Chester City's 2-2 draw at Aldershot effectively sent City down ahead of Grimsby.

At the top, Brentford secured the title with a 3-1 victory at Darlington. Behind them Wycombe Wanderers will be promoted with a point from their final game after drawing with Port Vale, and Exeter City need to better Bury's result on the last day to go up automatically with them. Bury and Gillingham drew, and both are in the playoffs. They're joined by Rochdale who picked up a point at Luton Town.

The final playoff spot is currently held by Dagenham & Redbridge, but they are only two points ahead of Shrewsbury Town. The twist? They play on the final day. Shrewsbury drew with Lincoln City on Saturday.

Non-League

The Blue Square Premier season is complete, and Burton Albion's defeat at Torquay United didn't matter. They're promoted as champions thanks to Cambridge United's inability to win at home to Altrincham. Histon, Stevenage and Torquay join United in the playoffs to follow Burton into the Football League.

Lewes, Weymouth, Northwich Victoria and Woking are relegated.

Tamworth are promoted from the Blue Square North, and will be joined by playoff winners from Gateshead, Alfreton Town, AFC Telford or Southport, while Hyde, Burscough and Hucknall are relegated.

AFC Wimbledon are promoted from the Blue Square South. The playoffs will be between Hampton & Richmond, Eastleigh, Hayes & Yeading and Chelmsford. Thurrock, Bognor Regis Town and Fisher Athletic go down.