Last-gasp Saints set up tense finale

By Roger Brown

Danny Higginbotham's crucial last-minute equaliser at Selhurst Park keeps Southampton FC's hopes of avoiding relegation alive as Harry Redknapp's side came from behind to draw 2-2 with fellow strugglers Crystal Palace FC on Saturday.

Norwich win
Norwich City FC were the day's biggest winners in the battle to avoid the drop as they defeated Birmingham City FC 1-0 to ensure the relegation places will not be determined until the final day of the season next week. Victory takes Norwich out of the bottom three on 33 points, with Southampton and Palace behind them on 32. West Bromwich Albion FC are bottom on 31 points despite drawing 1-1 away to Manchester United FC.

Ventola goal
In a tense afternoon at Selhurst Park, Fitz Hall gave Palace the lead in the 34th minute only for Peter Crouch to hit back from the penalty spot for Southampton three minutes later. Crouch was then dismissed along with Palace's Gonzalo Sorondo early in the second half before Nicola Ventola fired Palace ahead with 18 minutes to play.

Ashton winner
Palace looked set for victory until Higginbotham's dramatic late equaliser. Norwich enjoyed that result, Dean Ashton's penalty on the stroke of half-time against Birmingham taking them clear of their rivals. At Old Trafford, Ryan Giggs gave United a 21st-minute lead before Robert Earnshaw drew West Brom level with a 62nd-minute penalty.

Chelsea celebrations
Champions Chelsea FC, who secured the title last week at Bolton Wanderers FC, celebrated in front of their fans at Stamford Bridge by defeating Charlton Athletic FC 1-0, Claude Makelele scoring his first goal for the club in the final minute.

Everton triumph
Everton FC, in fourth, are now six points ahead of Liverpool FC after defeating Newcastle United FC 2-0 and now just need a point from their final two games to clinch the fourth UEFA Champions League qualifying spot.

Weir strikes
David Weir struck two minutes before half-time before Tim Cahill's goal on 59 minutes sealed the result. Liverpool FC in fifth, who travel to Arsenal FC on Sunday, must win to keep alive their hopes of finishing fourth.

Bolton in Europe
Bolton made sure of a place in next season's UEFA Cup by drawing 1-1 with Portsmouth FC, while Middlesbrough FC look likely to join them after defeating Tottenham Hotspur FC 1-0. Manchester City FC defeated Aston Villa FC 2-1 while Blackburn Rovers FC lost 3-1 at home to Fulham FC.