Robert Taylor scored the only goal as Manchester City moved to the brink of a return to the Premiership with a win over Birmingham City at Maine Road last night.

The 1-0 victory carried second-placed City five points clear of Ipswich Town, now their only challengers for an automatic promotion spot.

The Manchester club will be promoted if Ipswich fail to win today away to Charlton Athletic who have already clinched the Division One title.

Fans celebrated City's victory as though they were already home and dry, pouring on to the Maine Road pitch and carrying the players shoulder high around the ground.

Taylor's goal came in the 40th minute. He pounced from close range after Birmingham had failed to clear a free kick lofted into the penalty area.