Birmingham finished second bottom of the table and surrendered their Premier League status despite a superb victory.

David Murphy put the Blues ahead when his pot-shot found its way under Brad Friedel (31), but Morten Gamst Pedersen knocked in the equaliser (49) after Damien Johnson lost possession.

Cameron Jerome scored twice (73,89) and Fabrice Muamba grabbed the fourth (90) but Fulham's win sealed their fate.

Derby 0 Reading 4

Reading crashed out of the Premier League after their victory over basement club Derby proved in vain.

James Harper curled home the opener into the top corner (15) and striker Dave Kitson slid in to double the lead (61) from Leroy Lita's pass.

Kevin Doyle wrapped up the points from close range (69) and Lita got a late fourth (90), but Fulham's win sent the Royals into the Championship.

Portsmouth 0 Fulham 1

Danny Murphy kept Fulham in the Premier League with a second-half winner.

The midfielder headed in Jimmy Bullard's free-kick (76) to put the Cottagers ahead, although Simon Davies had almost given Fulham an early lead when his shot grazed a post.

American goalkeeper Kasey Keller had earlier maintained parity with smart saves in keeping out a Nico Kranjcar piledriver and a Jermain Defoe shot.

Escape thrills Al Fayed

Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed was in jubilant mood after Danny Murphy's header at Fratton Park secured Barclays Premier League footbal for next season.

The Cottagers won 1-0 - their third successive away win - to finish above Reading on goal difference.

Al Fayed said: "It was a difficult game but they had determination and they fulfilled their promise to me, which is fantastic. A great result."

Coppell ponders future

Steve Coppell admitted he needed time to consider his future after Reading's relegation from the Premier League.

Fulham's victory at Portsmouth rendered the Royals' 4-0 win at Derby irrelevant as they were sent to the Championship along with County and Birmingham.

And Coppell, who has been Reading boss since 2003, said: "I have a huge affection for this club. I want to do what I think is right for this club."