Wolves close in on Premier League promotion

LONDON: Wolves maintained their march towards the Premier League as the Championship leaders cruised to a 3-1 win against struggling Burton.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side moved six points clear of second-placed Cardiff and 13 ahead of third-placed Fulham in the race for automatic promotion.

Helder Costa gave Wolves the lead in the 15th minute at the Molineux before Benik Afobe netted to double their advantage after 41 minutes.

Lloyd Dyer gave Burton hope on the stroke of half-time, but Wolves reestablished their two-goal advantage when Afobe grabbed his second in the 56th minute.

“This was the biggest mismatch in English football today,” said Burton manager Nigel Clough, whose side remain rooted in the relegation zone.

“You have got 15 million players out there and that is more than half our budget. That shows the difference. With all the will in the world we didn’t expect to get much today.”

Wolves’ third win in four games keeps them in pole position to secure a lucrative berth in next season’s Premier League.

“It was a good performance that showed control and character,” said Wolves boss Nuno.

Aston Villa’s chances of catching their Midlands rivals suffered another blow as they lost 1-0 at relegation threatened Bolton.

Villa remain level on points with Fulham, who also missed the chance to close the gap on Cardiff as they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with QPR at Craven Cottage.