Wolves extend lead after win at Bristol

LONDON: Wolverhampton Wanderers came from behind to beat promotion rivals Bristol City 2-1 at Ashton Gate with Ryan Bennett earning the victory with a stoppage-time header in the English Championship.

Bristol came into Saturday’s late kick off having taken 16 points from their last 18 available, a joint-high in the last six games, alongside Leeds, with victory over Manchester United in the League Cup adding to the feel-good atmosphere around Ashton Gate.

However, despite taking the lead against Wolves – who had Danny Batth sent off in the 14th minute – through Bobby Reid, Wolves stormed back to snatch all three points.

The dismissal of Bristol goalkeeper Frank Fielding was the turning point, with Barry Douglas equalising shortly afterwards, before Bennett headed the last-gasp winner.

Tony Pulis tasted defeat in his first game as Middlesbrough manager after Robert Snodgrass’ third goal for Aston Villa earned Steve Bruce’s men a 1-0 victory at the Riverside.

Pulis was appointed on Boxing Day before the game against Bolton, but watched on from the stands as Middlesbrough earned a second successive win.

They could not build on that momentum on Saturday, though, as Snodgrass’ second-half header earned Villa the three points.

Sheffield United’s promotion bid continued to falter as former Sheffield Wednesday striker Gary Madine earned Bolton a 1-0 win at Bramhall Lane, meaning Chris Wilder’s side have won just once in their last seven league games. —