The defeat leaves City needing results from the games at Colchester and Charlton plus the home game against Wolves.
City have 49 points one more than Leicester City who trailed to a 76th minute goal from Colchester's Kevin Lisbie. Unfortunately, the side relegated in midweek, could not hold on to their lead and Iain Hume equalised in the last minute.
Colchester will be joined in League One next season by Scunthorpe who lost 2-0 at Play-off contenders Crystal Palace.
Sheffield Wednesday who are third bottom play Plymouth at home on Monday night whilst Southampton are a place above City on 50 points after being pegged back to draw 1-1 at Charlton after Stern John had netted.
Another former Sky Blue in Andy Morrell netted for Blackpool in a 3-1 defeat at Cardiff. The Seasiders also have fifty points. After a good win at Watford in midweek, Barnsley kept up the momentum with a 2-1 win at Preston.
Stoke's win at City moved them to the top of the league after the chasing sides all drew.
West Brom who were top this lunch-time, were held 1-1 by Watford. The Baggies are second on goal difference from Bristol City hed 0-0 by Wolves. Fourth placed Hill came back to draw 1-1 with QPR.