Le Tissier sinks Bolton

The long fight for Premiership survival has ended for Bolton Wanderers and Queen's Park Rangers. They depart the Premiership gravy train for the Endsleigh First Division, Bolton beaten at home by Matthew Le Tissier's goal for Southampton, who face another nail-biting conclusion to a season at home to Wimbledon next Sunday.

Sunderland, one team replacing the doomed pair, were confirmed as First Division champions but the unhappy Hatters, Luton, have fallen into the Second Division. Swindon replace them but going in the opposite direction are Swansea, who join previously relegated Brighton and Hull in the Third from where Preston and Gillingham are promoted.

All eyes now revert back to the top of the Carling Premiership. This afternoon, Manchester United entertain Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford hoping to extend their lead over Newcastle United to six points.

The United defenders Phil Neville and Denis Irwin have recovered from injury but the centre-back Steve Bruce is definitely out, although he remains confident of being fit for United's final match of the season at Middlesbrough next Sunday.

The Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan must decide who will replace the suspended David Ginola on the left wing and defender Steve Howey (hamstring) for Monday's trip to Leeds United. Fortunately, Keith Gillespie and Philippe Albert expect to be fit. The latter had four stitches in a wound after clashing heads with Les Ferdinand. "I didn't realise he had such a hard head," Albert joked.

The second automatic place from the Endsleigh First Division could be settled at the Baseball Ground this afternoon if Derby County beat Crystal Palace. County have their leading scorer Dean Sturridge and midfielder Sean Flynn back in the squad after suspension but Palace will delay their selection.

Brighton riot, front page

Root of troubles, page 27