With the Euro 2020 Qualifiers against Denmark and Gibraltar quickly approaching, Shane Long is well and truly back! He bagged his fourth goal in five games, even if he did miss a sitter later on in the game.
Elsewhere, our Sheffield United contingent confirmed their promotion to the Premier League.
Irish Player Ratings
Shane Long continued his strong recent resurgence, netting for the fourth time in five games as Southampton drew 3-3 with Bournemouth. It was not quite the seven-second effort we saw in midweek, but it was good enough to net him an 8/10 rating from Saintsmarching.com.
What a month it has been for the Irish striker! https://t.co/U7K5bAovqj
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) April 24, 2019
Cyrus Christie was introduced as a first half substitute as Fulham defeated Cardiff, reprising his role as a centre back.
Wolves strengthened their grip on seventh place with a 2-1 at Watford, with Matt Doherty putting in a usually solid performance. He was given a 7/10 by the Express & Star, who were impressed with his relentless work rate:
A good attacking outlet throughout the game. Offered an overlap for a couple of good first-half breaks, swung over a great cross which Jota headed over and was still rampaging forward in the dying minutes. Consistently consistent.
Seamus Coleman continued his strong form as Everton kept a clean sheet at Crystal Palace. It was an excellent performance for the Ireland skipper, with Wilfried Zaha forced to swap wings at halftime, such was the lack of joy he got off the Donegal native (7/10 from the Liverpool Echo).
Brighton took a big step towards survival, with Shane Duffy performing well in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle. He was given a 6/10 by the Brighton & Hove Independent for a dominant aerial display.
Jeff Hendrick started for Burnley as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester City, being withdrawn with 15 minutes to go after a decent shift down the right.
It was an unbelievable weekend for Ireland's Sheffield United contingent, as The Blades secured promotion to the Premier League. Scott Hogan opened the scoring in their 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, producing this tidy finish.
GOAL FOR SHEFFIELD UNITED
Scott Hogan sends Bramall Lane into raptures. What a massive goal that could be. One step closer to the Premier League.
📲 Watch live now on Sky Sports Football or follow online here: https://t.co/i0H5oDapwA pic.twitter.com/dalkwk3SE1— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 27, 2019
That was enough to get him an 8/10 from The Star. John Egan, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick also started that game for the home side. Egan was given an 8/10, as was 'Rolls Royce' Stevens. McGoldrick was also handed an 8/10.
This has been an incredible season for those three, who are certain to make a big impact in the Premier League next season. Hogan's future is less certain with his loan expiring at the end of the season, but he did himself no harm with his performance yesterday.
SHEFFIELD UNITED CELEBRATE!
A 2-0 win against Ipswich means they are all but promoted to the Premier League! pic.twitter.com/JAzvn2rPt5— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 27, 2019
James McClean started at left wing back as Stoke drew away 0-0 at Millwall, getting a 7/10 from the Stoke Sentinel. Shaun Williams started for the hosts, getting a 6/10 from Football.London.
Middlesbrough kept their promotion hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Reading, with Darren Randolph getting a 6/10 from the Teeside Gazette for a fairly quiet afternoon.
Alan Browne was back amongst the goals in Preston's 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday. This sweet strike was his 12th in the league this season.
📽️ Ripley ➡️Stockley ➡️Maguire ➡️Browne...💥@Alan__Browne made it 12 for the season to complete a fine move with a superb finish yesterday!
Watch the highlights on iFollow PNE ➡️ https://t.co/TrIjTrEoIW #pnefc pic.twitter.com/HUujGtNPdW— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) April 28, 2019
He also registered an assist for the opener, which was good enough for a 7/10 from the Lancashire Evening Post. After his recent injury layoff, he looks to be rediscovering his form ahead of the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Sean Maguire provided the assist for Browne's goal, being rated at 6/10. Callum Robinson also continued his recent return from injury, getting a 7/10 for a sharp display.
Derby County took another step towards the playoffs, with Richard Keogh captaining the side in their 2-0 win at Bristol City. He was described by Frank Lampard as the 'driving force' in the side, receiving an 8/10 from the Derby Telegraph.
Derrick Williams and Darragh Lenihan were the centre back partnership for Blackburn as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Norwich City, a result which confirmed promotion for The Canaries.
Conor Hourihane started for Aston Villa in one of the maddest games we have seen, with The Villains drawing 1-1 with Leeds. He was given a 7/10 by the Birmingham Mail, who mentioned he has enjoyed a fine season at Villa Park.
James Collins netted for the fourth game in a row as Luton fell to defeat at home to Burton. They still sit top of the League One table on Goal difference, with a win against Oxford United on the final day guaranteeing promotion to The Championship.
