Now the Intertoto Cup is the target

9:12am Wednesday 3rd May 2006

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FIRST it was the Champions League, then the UEFA Cup . . . now Wanderers' only chance of European action next season is in the Intertoto Cup.

At one time Wanderers were on course for a coveted spot in the continent's premier competition, but a run of defeats ended that dream.

And last night's 1-0 victory for Blackburn Rovers over champions Chelsea at Ewood Park meant their Lancashire rivals secured sixth place in the Premiership - and the final UEFA Cup place.

That leaves the Intertoto Cup - English clubs enter on July 15 - and a straight race between Wanderers and Newcastle United to see who qualifies by finishing seventh in the Premiership.

Wanderers must beat Middlesbrough at the Reebok tonight to draw level on points with the Geordies but with a superior goal difference.

Then it will go down to the final games at the weekend: Newcastle at home to Chelsea and Wanderers hosting Birmingham City at the Reebok.