RUBEN STUNNER ROCKS THE RAMS
PLAYMAKER Ruben Neves scored one of the goals of the season as Wolves moved to the brink of winning promotion to the Premier League by beating Derby County.
After an actionpacked Tuesday night, leaders Wolves took centre stage the following night against the play-off chasing Rams at Molineux.
Diogo Jota set Wolves on their way with a sixth minute opener before Neves struck his stunner six minutes into the second period.
Neves latched onto a Derby clearance 30 yards out, flicked the ball up and then sent an outrageous dipping volley into the top corner of Scott Carson’s net.
The victory increased Wolves’ advantage at the top of the table to 11 points with four games left.
Improve
After the 2-0 win, manager Nuno Espirito Santo said: “I think Neves still has a lot to improve. Not only Neves, all the squad. This is the spirit that we want. Day by day they have to work hard to improve.”
The previous night Fulham moved second with a 1-0 home victory against Reading, courtesty of Stefan Johansen’s 25th-minute goal.
Fulham’s chance to climb into the automatic promotion places came thanks to Cardiff losing at Aston Villa. In a tight affair, Jack Grealish’s 20-yard volley with five minutes left gave Steve Bruce’s men a precious victory.
The win came by way of royal approval with Villa fan Prince William cheering his team on
“He’s brought us a bit of luck tonight. He did the team talk, picked the team, and it’s worked wonders,” joked Bruce.
It was also a big night for Millwall as they moved into the play-off places with a solid 2-0 victory at relegationthreatened Bolton.
Striker Tom Elliott headed home the opener in the 34th minute and Ben Marshall sealed victory on 63 minutes after great work by defender Mahlon Romeo.
Millwall’s opportunity to break into the top six came due to Middlesbrough losing at Sheffield United, who enhanced their own play-off chances in the process.
On a night of top quality goals, Lee Evans (pictured celebrating below) netted a magnificent long-range volley to give the Blades a second-minute lead.
Boro’s problems worsened when Grant Leadbitter was sent off for his second bookable offence with just 25 minutes played. Evans scored his second five minutes before the break to strengthen United’s grip.
Boro boss Tony Pulis gambled with a triple substitution at the break and his side were back in it when Daniel Ayala netted three minutes into the second half, but the Blades held on to win.
Bristol City got back to winning ways with a 3-1 home success against Birmingham. Marlon Pack, Bobby Reid – with his 20th goal of the season - and sub Matty Taylor netted for Lee Johnson’s Robins, with Lukas Jutkiewicz replying for the Blues.
Brentford and Preston kept their slim playoff hopes alive with victories. Henrik Dalsgaard headed the only goal of the game in the 82nd minute as Brentford won 1-0 at Nottingham Forest, while Preston came from behind at half-time to beat Leeds 3-1 at home.
Advantage
Kemar Roofe gave Leeds the advantage, but the Lilywhites hit back in the second period through Paul Gallagher (pen), Sean Maguire and Alan Browne.
Jonas Knudsen netted a 54th-minute winner as Ipswich beat Barnsley 1-0, though it was overshadowed by manager Mick McCarthy’s decision to quit the Tractor Boys after the game. He had originally planned to step down at the end of the season.
Sunderland’s survival prospects suffered a hammer blow as Ivo Pinto netted an 89th-minute equaliser for Norwich at the Stadium of Light. George Honeyman had given the Black Cats the lead.
Bottom of the table Burton suffered a horror night as they fell 5-0 at home against Nigel Adkins’ Hull. Kamil Grosicki netted twice, while Harry Wilson, David Meyler (pen) and Will Keane also got in on the act.
QPR powered to a 4-2 win against Sheffield Wednesday courtesy of goals from Idrissa Sylla (two), Paul Smyth and Jake Bidwell. The Owls replied through Fernando Forestieri and Atdhe Nuhiu.