Barnsley and Burton Albion have been relegated from the Championship on the final day of the season as Bolton Wanderers secured survival in dramatic circumstances.
The Tykes suffered a 4-1 defeat at Derby County which, combined with Bolton's dramatic 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest, saw their two-year tenure in the Championship come to an end.
Burton, meanwhile, appeared safe heading into the latter stages of their game at Preston North End, as they were level against the Lilywhites.
Bolton's remarkable comeback, however, combined with Louis Moult's late strike for the hosts, saw Nigel Clough's side fall to a 2-1 defeat and drop to the third tier alongside Barnsley and Sunderland.
Barnsley and Burton's misery was Bolton's jubilation but Phil Parkinson's charges were made to sweat for salvation as Ben Osborn and Jack Colback nullified Adam le Fondre's opening volley.
However, the Whites drew level on 87 minutes through David Wheater and, not long after, Aaron Wilbraham headed home the winner for the hosts before holding out for an improbable win.
Higher up the table, Derby claimed the final playoff spot, finishing ahead of Preston, whose win over Burton was not enough to see them over the line.
The Rams join Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Fulham - who fell to a 3-1 defeat at Birmingham City to gift second place to Cardiff City - in the playoffs.
Championship results in full: Birmingham City 3-1 Fulham, Bolton Wanderers 3-2 Nottingham Forest, Brentford 1-1 Hull City, Bristol City 2-3 Sheffield United, Cardiff City 0-0 Reading, Derby County 4-1 Barnsley, Ipswich Town 2-2 Middlesbrough, Leeds United 2-0 Queens Park Rangers, Millwall 1-0 Aston Villa, Preston North End 2-1 Burton Albion, Sheffield Wednesday 5-1 Norwich City, Sunderland 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Giuseppe Labellarte
