Championship Review (10/04/2006)

Sheffield United strengthened their grip on the second automatic promotion place on Saturday in the most dramatic of circumstances as an injury time win denied battling Hull City a deserved share of the points.

Leading with a first half Neil Shipperley strike, Paul Ilfil seemed to have calmed the fraying nerves of the locals with a second on 52 minutes. The Blades never seem to make things easy however, and they were soon pegged back as a rejuvenated Tigers levelled through Stuart Elliot and Darryl Duffy. Just as it seemed that Neil Warnock's men would drop another couple of crucial points, up popped 33-year-old David Unsworth to fire home a 93rd winner.

Sheffield United are now nine points clear of their closest rivals, Watford and Leeds United, who although securing their play-off places failed to see off mid table opposition in front of their own fans.

Watford took the lead in their local derby against Luton Town, courtesy of a deft finish by Marlon King, his 20th goal of a prolific campaign, but a 73rd minute leveller by the Hatters' Ahmet Brkovic has surely condemned Aidy Boothroyd's men to the play-offs. Much the same can be said of Leeds United who incredibly failed to score for the fourth consecutive match in their Elland Road clash with doughty Plymouth Argyle.

Preston North End moved up a spot into fifth place after benefiting from an over generous Norwich City side, who twice put through their own net before half time at Deepdale. Jason Shackell sent a bullet-like past his own keeper to send Billy Davies' side on the way, and when Gary Doherty also diverted the ball into his own net there was no way back for Nigel Worthington's men.

The Lilywhites third win on the spins sees them leap frog Crystal Palace, whose inconsistent away form must be starting to give manager, Iain Dowie cause for the concern.

In front of the TV Camera's at the impressive looking Walkers Stadium on Friday night, the Eagles, so impressive on Sky Sports seven days previous against Watford, simply failed to turn up and were soundly beaten by Leicester City, as goals in either half by Andy Welsh and Stephen Hughes ensured a 7th win in 12 games for Foxes' caretaker manager, Rob Kelly.

Glen Hoddle must have awoken from his slumber on Sunday morning clear in the knowledge that the play-offs are now beyond his Wolverhampton Wanderers team. The evergreen Paul Ince had given the Black Country men a perfect start in their Midlands derby with Coventry City, netting as early as the second minute and when Colin Cameron, having returned from a loan spell at Millwall, soon doubled their advantage all seemed to be going to plan.

However, the Molineux outfit has drawn far too many games this season and a speedy reply by Stern John gave the Sky Blues an opportunity to cause panic amongst home ranks and a Gary McSheffrey strike, his 16th of an excellent campaign, on the hour not only restored parity but virtually extinguishes the Black and Golds hopes of the promised land for another season.

Cardiff City can also kiss good bye to any faint promotion aspirations after a home trouncing by Champions Reading, who scored five for the second Saturday running.

Steve Coppell's men are relentlessly moving towards a record number of points in a Level 2 season, and swept to a fine win thanks in the main to a scintillating first hour which had them leading by three clear goals.

James Harper, with his sixth goal this term gave the Berkshire outfit an early ascendency, improved upon when leading scorer, Dave Kitson doubled the visitor's advantage prior to the break. A 52nd minute own goal by an under pressure Glenn Loovens merely underlined Reading superiority, and although the Bluebirds briefly rallied through Cameron Jerome, with his 20th goal of the season, and Paul Parry, the Royals assured themselves of a joyous return journey back up the M4 with late strikes from Kevin Doyle and a second by Harper.

Crewe Alexandra moved off the foot of the table with a desperately needed victory over fourth from bottom Sheffield Wednesday, who as a result are not yet safe from the drop themselves.

Two first half goals by the on-loan Nottinghham Forest player, Gareth Taylor proved more than sufficient for Dario Gradi's side who won for the third time in four games, a late season rally that is keeping alive their faint hopes of avoiding relegation.

Things are not looking any brighter for shot shy Millwall and Brighton & Hove Albion though, as the pair slipped further into the mire after defeats at Derby County and at home to Southampton respectively.

Former Golden Boy, Tommy Smith grabbed the game's only goal at Pride Park as the Rams almost certainly ensured Championship football next season with victory over the Lions, and George Burley's Saints did likewise at a packed Withdean Stadium, goals by Ricardo Fuller and Richard Chaplow seeing off a desperate Seagulls outfit who sunk to the bottom of the table in front of a record crowd of 7, 999.

The day's other matches saw Burnley gain a narrow victory over Queen Park Rangers thanks to a late effort by Andy Gray and Stoke City spank Ipswich Town, 4-1 at Portman Road.

There has been plenty of controversy flying around the Britannia Stadium in recent weeks but there was no sign of any problems on the pitch as Johan Boskamp's charges swept to a resounding success. A Fabian Wilnis own goal set them on their way and although Danny Haynes soon levelled for the home side, a first goal since his return from the African Nations Cup in January by Sammy Bangoura gave the Potteries men the lead. Late goals by Luke Chadwick and the outstanding Darel Russell merely confirmed the triumph.