Express & Star

Wembley heartbreak for Aston Villa as Fulham promoted

Aston Villa's dream of returning to the Premier League was crushed as Fulham ran out 1-0 winners at Wembley.

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It means a third successive season of Championship football for Villa, who could require a squad overhaul following the defeat.

Tom Cairney's first half strike proved enough on the day as the third-placed Cottagers returned to the top flight after four seasons in the second-tier.

Steve Bruce's men were not at the races in the the first half, but produced a spirited second-half display where Fulham's Denis Odoi saw red for second bookable offence.

Match report and reaction to follow....