Debut a Brightoff for Zola
Gianfranco Zola suffered a painful start to his reign as Birmingham boss as his side conceded a 95th- minute sucker punch to title chasers Brighton at St Andrews.
Lukas Jutkiewicz put his new boss on course for a dream debut but Anthony Knockaert equalised in the 83rd minute.
And Glenn Mur ray clinched a 2-1 victory for Brighton deep into injury t ime to extend thei r unbeaten run to 16 games.
Zola said: “In the last few minutes we lost a bit of physical presence.
“It’s cruel. The players didn’t deserve that, the team didn’t deserve that. But this is footbal l, you have to accept the way it is.”
Meanwhile, Cardiff boss Neil Warnock warned his patience had reached its limit after his team lost 4-3 at home to Barnsley.
Two late goals from Peter Whittingham and Anthony Pilkington looked to have snatched a dramatic draw for the Welsh but sub Ryan Williams’ first goal in more than two years won it for Barnsley in injury time.
Newca st le a re t he Christmas leaders in the Championship after a 2-1 win at Burton but late goals ensured victory for many of the chasing pack.
Reading twice conceded equalisers at Blackburn before George Evans’ strike snatched a 3-2 victory.
Steven Fletcher scored an injury- time penalty for Sheff ield Wednesday to break Rotherham hearts and Bristol City slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Preston.
An 89th-minute goal for Leeds earned them a 1-0 win over Brentford while there was similar drama at the DW Stadium. A header from David McGoldrick in 88 minutes secured a 3-2 win for Ipswich against Wigan.
Paul Lambert claimed his second win as Wolves boss with a 2- 0 victory over Nottingham Forest and Derby drew 2-2 at Fulham.