1 May 2011

QPR up to Premier League but still face anxious wait

6:50 am on 1 May 2011

London football side Queens Park Rangers have secured promotion from the second division Championship by beating Watford 2-0, while Sheffield United and Scunthorpe were relegated to the third tier of English football.

QPR only needed a draw but secured their return to the Premier League for the first time in 15 years by taking all three points - but QPR now face a nervous wait for the results of a disciplinary hearing due to be held next week over allegations they breached rules on third-party ownership.

A report in The Sun newspaper quoted an unnamed FA source claiming the club could be docked 15 points in connection with the signing of Argentinian midfielder Alejandro Faurlin, which would leave QPR having to secure promotion all over again via the play-offs.

At the other end of the table, Sheffield United and Scunthorpe followed already-relegated Preston into League One.

United drew 2-2 with Barnsley while Scunthorpe were thumped 5-1 at playoff hopefuls Nottingham Forest.

Swansea's 2-0 win at Millwall kept their playoff hopes on course but ended those of the home side.

Reading also remain in the playoffs after a 0-0 draw at Coventry but Leeds are just below following their 1-0 home win over Burnley thanks to Ross McCormack's goal.

Doncaster confirmed their Championship status with a 1-1 home draw against Leicester, while Palace will also survive after drawing 1-1 at Hull.

Preston's misery continued as they lost 2-1 at Ipswich, while Bristol City won 2-0 at Derby.