Garcia wins out in battle for Premier League

Richard Garcia has won the battle of the Aussies, after Hull City beat Nick Carle’s Bristol City 1-0 at Wembley, to book a place in England’s top flight for the first time in the club’s 104-year history.

Richard Garcia has won the battle of the Aussies, after Hull City beat Nick Carle-s Bristol City 1-0 at Wembley, to book a place in England-s top flight for the first time in the club-s 104-year history.

The crucial goal came five minutes before the break, when local hero 39-year-old Dean Windass smashed a magnificent volley into the top corner.

Garcia played a full game for Hull City and he will now add his name to the list of Australian players to play in the English Premiership.

Carle, who overnight was included in the Socceroos squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Iraq in Brisbane, played 79 minutes for Bristol, in what was a disappointing finish to what looked to have been a breakthrough season. Bristol with five games to go, led the Championship and looked on track for a place in the Premier League, but a string of poor results saw them slide down to finish fourth on the table and ultimately have to fight for a place through the play-off-s.

The former Hyundai Player of the Year, had a great chance in the 18th minute to put Bristol ahead, when he was able to get in the penalty box, but his effort from 15 yards went wide.

Not long after, Garcia had his best chance on goal when he was on the end of cross, but his header while going over City keeper Basso, landed on the roof of the net.

Bristol dominated the play after Hull went ahead as they searched in vain for an equaliser, but the Hull defence stood firm and held onto record a famous win and huge payday for the club.