Bobby Thomas scored the goal that clinched Coventry City’s promotion to the Premier League after they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
Frank Lampard’s side knew they only needed a point to confirm their place in the top-flight for the first time since 2001, and after Ryoya Morishita attempted to put that on ice, Thomas ensured they did not have to wait.
Blackburn had the better of the chances in the first half, with Yuki Ohashi glancing a header straight at Carl Rushworth inside the opening 15 minutes.
Jack Rudoni then found the side-netting in Coventry’s best opening, before Ohashi thumped a header against the bar at the other end.
Blackburn seemed to tear up the script in the 54th minute, with Ryan Alebiosu allowed to carry the ball a long way down the right. After cutting inside, his shot is blocked, but Morishita was on hand to turn the ball home via a deflection.
Balazs Toth then smothered a Haji Wright chance, while Rudonis saw a header rebound off the post as Coventry upped the pressure.
And they were rewarded in the 84th minute as Thomas rose highest to meet a Victor Torp free-kick and score the goal that sends Coventry back to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.
Data Debrief: The wait is over
Coventry still have time to secure the Championship title, but their main objective of getting back into the Premier League is officially checked off.
It took a Blackburn goal to wake them up on Friday, though they finished the game on top, with 12 shots worth 1.49 expected goals (xG), though they only got two of those on target.
Ephron Mason-Clark had led their charge, having a game-high three shots worth 0.51 xG, while he also created three chances, more than anyone else on the pitch.
