Play-off Spot Eludes Ipswich Despite Stylish Victory

Ipswich Town's thoroughly merited win over Hull City was not enough to earn them a play-off spot as results elsewhere kept them in eighth place. A 70th-minute goal from Alan Lee, within seconds of his introduction as substitute, gave Ipswich victory but it is Hull who now prepare to extend their season in the play-offs.

Hull started with only an outside chance of claiming an automatic promotion spot and Stoke's draw against Leicester was enough to take them up even if Hull had won. Ipswich should have been in front after Shefki Kuqi headed in after Pablo Couñago's shot had rebounded off a post but the goal was ruled out for offside, even though television cameras proved otherwise.

The winner stemmed from a free-kick by David Wright. Headers from Lee and Jon Walters in the penalty area ended with Lee steering the ball beyond Boaz Myhill from close range.

Ipswich's manager, Jim Magilton, said: "I was not surprised how dominant we were because we have been dominant at home all season. Our away form is something we must correct." Ipswich will seek to replace their captain, Jason De Vos, who is set to return to Canada.

Wolverhampton Wanderers also missed out on the play-offs. They beat Plymouth Argyle 1-0 but needed to win by three to overhaul sixth-placed Watford on goal difference. An 87th-minute effort from Seyi Olofinjana brought a 1-0 victory but Michael Kightly and Andy Keogh missed other chances and their manager, Mick McCarthy, lamented his side's profligacy over the season. "If we had nicked it 1-0, then I guess we wouldn't be feeling so bad but we haven't nicked it 1-0, we have had loads of chances and not managed to score three goals," McCarthy said.

Bristol City will go into the play-offs in more upbeat mood after a 3-0 win over Preston North End guaranteed them fourth place and brought an end to a lean run in which they had won only one match in 10. Lee Trundle opened the scoring on eight minutes and set up Michael McIndoe for the second seven minutes later before David Noble added a third with an exquisite free-kick.

Cardiff City warmed up for their FA Cup final appearance with a 3-0 home win over their semi-final victims Barnsley. Paul Parry, Kevin McNaughton and Joe Ledley scored the goals that guaranteed a top-half finish for Dave Jones' team. Cardiff can now prepare for Wembley in good heart. "I have a team in my head for the final but I will be watching Portsmouth next week and, if I need to change my way of thinking, then I will," said Jones.