PORTSMOUTH were relegated from the Premier League after West Ham boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 triumph over Sunderland at Upton Park. After going in at the break scoreless, the Hammers got the goal they were looking for when Araujo Ilan popped up on 51 minutes with a right-footed strike after Carlton Cole had set him up.

Two penalties from Burnley captain Graham Alexander helped eased the pressure on Brian Laws as they claimed a 4-1 victory over Hull City. Ireland international Kevin Kilbane fired the Tigers in front on 3 minutes, but Martin Paterson got the visitors back into the game with a goal on 35 minutes. Then two second-half penalties from Alexander and a strike from Wade Elliott were enough for the Clarets their first away win of the season.

In the Championsip, West Brom's 3-2 victory over Doncaster Rovers was enough for them to win promotion back to the top flight. Graham Dorrans, Chris Brunt and Roman Bednar netted for the Baggies, while Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and James Hayter were on target for the hosts.

Newcastle United thumped Blackpool 4-1 with Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan and Wayne Routledge all scoring, while Brett Ormerod netted for the Seasiders.

Nottingham Forest inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Ipswich Town with Luke Chambers, Guy Moussi and Rob Earnshaw getting their goals. A single strike from Richard Cresswell was enough for Sheffield United to beat Coventry 1-0. Goals from Akos Buzsaky and Kaspars Gorkss saw QPR beat Crystal Palace 2-0.

Middlesbrough had Scott McDonald to thank as they beat Sheffield Wednesday 1-0. Heidar Helguson was the hero for Watford as his strike fired them to a 1-0 win over Plymouth. Preston were too strong for Scunthorpe as goals from Jon Parkin, Billy Jones and Keith Treacy helped them win 3-2 with Garry Thompson scoring for the Iron. Leicester beat Peterborough 2-1 with Steve Howard and Andy King on target, while Tommy Rowe scored for the hosts. Bristol City claimed a 1-0 victory over Swansea after Nicky Maynard scored.

Meanwhile, Cardiff drew 0-0 with Reading and Barnsley also shared a scoreless draw with Derby County.

THERE was a major shock in the Scottish Cup as Ross County reached the final for the first time in their 81-year history after beating Celtic 2-0 at Hampden Park following a performance that infuriated caretaker manager Neil Lennon. Steven Craig put the First Division side ahead in the 54th minute with a wonderful solo goal. Celtic fought back but, with only two minutes remaining, self-confessed Hoops' fan Martin Scott grabbed a dramatic second to set up a final against Dundee United or Raith Rovers.

"People talk about Tony not instilling passion in the team. Those are things you can't give the players," fumed Lennon. "Bottle, desire and hunger, you have to have that from a kid growing up. You have to love the game and want to play the game and want to win. We don't have enough winners. Show some b******* for God's sake.

"I'm sick of seeing strikers not want to go in where it hurts and score. We've gone out of every competition with an absolute whimper."

In the Premier League, Portsmouth were relegated after West Ham boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 triumph over Sunderland at Upton Park. Araujo Ilan popped up on 51 minutes with a right-footed strike.

Burnley eased the pressure on Brian Laws and re-ignited their own hopes with a fine 4-1 win away to Hull. Kevin Kilbane fired the Tigers in front on three minutes but Martin Paterson got the visitors back into the game with a goal on 35 minutes. Then two second-half penalties from Alexander and a strike from Wade Elliott were enough for the Clarets their first away win of the season.

In the Championsip, West Brom's 3-2 victory over Doncaster Rovers was enough for them to win promotion back to the top flight. Graham Dorrans, Chris Brunt and Roman Bednar netted for the Baggies, while Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and James Hayter were on target for the hosts.

Newcastle United thumped Blackpool 4-1 with Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan and Wayne Routledge all scoring, while Brett Ormerod netted for the Seasiders.

Nottingham Forest inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Ipswich Town with Luke Chambers, Guy Moussi and Rob Earnshaw getting their goals.