Yorke nets brace in United win

Yorke nets brace in United win
REUTERS

London, April 25: Two-goal hero Dwight Yorke paid tribute to the Old Trafford fans as Manchester United celebrated winning their sixth Premiership title in eight years with a 3-2 triumph over Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Bradford's 1-0 win over Sunderland sets up a thrilling relegation with Wimbledon next week with the London club now only two points above them. Derby look almost certain to avoid the drop into the First Division after a 2-0 victory over Southampton.

Yorke put the Reds in front in the 10th minute when charging down Edde Goey's attempted clearance.

But Chelsea hit back strongly, Dan Petrescu grabbing a 23rd-minute equaliser and Gianfranco Zola firing the visitors ahead in the 36th minute.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side were not to be denied, however, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer levelled six minutes before interval.

Yorke added his second, and what turned out to be the winner, from close range in the 68th minute to put United 16 points clear at the summit.

Yorke said: ``It's been a brilliant season for us and to get a result in front of our home fans and show the quality of the team -- we're all delighted about it.''

Defeat for fifth-placed Chelsea, who had previously only lost twice at United in the League in 32 years, was a bitter blow to their chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Derby edged closer to Premiership safety after beating Southampton 2-0 at Pride Park. Goals from skipper Darryl Powell and striker Malcolm Christie secured the victory against Glenn Hoddle's Saints.

Derby now have 36 points, four clear of fourth-bottom Wimbledon, who have just two more than Bradford, who won 1-0 at Sunderland.