Manchester City could still overtake them providing they win their final two matches against Ipswich and Chelsea and Middlesbrough lose to West Ham in their final game.

Bradford, already relegated to the First Division, were busy and industrious in their last home game. Manager Jim Jefferies kept faith in the side that lost to Liverpool in midweek.

Jefferies saw his team press forward from the start and Robbie Blake tested keeper Mark Schwarzer with a fine shot from the edge of area. Middlesbrough suffered a blow in the 22nd minute when Alen Boksic was forced to come off.

The Croatian striker, who has weighed in with some crucial goals this season, hobbled to the touchline after chasing a loose ball. He seemed to have tweaked his hamstring and was replaced up front by Brian Deane.

Middlesbrough were being forced to be patient as they tried to make the breakthrough. Central defender Ugo Ehiogu linked up with the attack, turned inside quickly, only to see his shot cleanly taken by keeper Gary Walsh.

Benito Carbone twice went close for Bradford as Middlesbrough were forced on the back foot. The gifted Italian saw his volley go wide following a cross from Blake after Stuart McCall had played a quick free-kick down the line.

Then Carbone sent a 20-yard free-kick narrowly wide as Bradford stepped up the pace.

Ashley Ward should have given them the lead after Blake played the ball in but his weak shot was easily taken by Schwarzer.

Bradford went ahead in the 38th minute when sub Jamie Lawrence ran from deep. He seemed to have lost the ball on the edge of the area but somehow dug it out to release Jacobs. Jacobs showed a cool head to chip it over Schwarzer for only his second goal of the season.

Middlesbrough, out-fought in the first half, seemed to have won a free-kick on the edge of the area in the 51st minute. Gunnar Halle appeared to handle the ball after Ince had launched it forward but referee Graham Barber waved play on.

Hamilton Ricard was particularly incensed as he was in a good position at the time.

Middlesbrough should have drawn level in the 54th minute but former Bradford midfielder Dean Windass headed over the top from close range following a cross from Paul Okon.

Bradford were playing some decent football and Ward set up Eoin Jess but he was marginally off target with his shot from the edge of the area. Middlesbrough staged a late rally and Walsh did well to push away a powerful shot from sub Carlos Marinelli.

Windass latched onto the rebound and squared the ball across the face of the goal, only for Halle to scramble it away.

Middlesbrough drew level in the 81st minute when Jacobs’ clearance from Marinelli’s corner found Karembeu. The former Real Madrid star didn’t hesitate and rifled a stunning shot into the top corner beyond Walsh.

Then Deane saw a shot go wide as Middlesbrough went for the victory that would have secured their Premiership status.