Championship roundup: Leicester extend lead, Leeds lose at West Brom
The Championship leaders Leicester eased to a 2-0 victory at Cardiff, thanks to a first-half strike from Kiernan DewsburyHall and a sumptuous curling effort from James Justin. Enzo Maresca’s side were able to put the disappointment of conceding a stoppagetime equaliser on Boxing Day behind them.
However second-placed Ipswich, who scored that late leveller, were frustrated by visitors QPR who held firm for a 0-0 draw. The gap to Leicester is now eight points. It was better news for third-placed Southampton, who defeated Plymouth 2-1. The prime minster, Rishi Sunak, a supporter of the hosts, was watching from inside St Mary’s as Carlos Alcaraz and Ché Adams struck in the second half.
Leeds suffered a second loss in a row as West Brom held on for a 1-0 victory, Grady Diangana’s first-half finish enough to settle a tight contest. The result leaves Leeds in fourth, nine points off the automatic places with West Brom three points behind them in fifth.
The Birmingham manager, Wayne Rooney, endured another frustrating night as his team failed to find the net in a 0-0 draw at home with Bristol City. Rooney’s record now stands at two wins in his 14 games in charge.
Hull came out on the right end of a 3-2 slugfest against Blackburn, Alfie Jones scoring the winner in the second half after Rovers had fought back from two goals down. Blackburn had Dominic Hyam sent off after a second booking late on. Liam Cullen’s equaliser, three minutes into stoppage time, helped Swansea to a 2-2 draw with Coventry.
Rotherham earned a 1-1 draw with Sunderland, Sam Clucas giving the league’s bottom side the lead before Jack Clarke equalised. Millwall delivered a 1-0 victory against Norwich despite a late red card for George Saville; Tom Bradshaw’s early goal enough.
Sheffield Wednesday grabbed a vital 1-0 victory at Preston, Marvin Johnson’s finish the difference. George Byers was sent off late on.
Middlesbrough won 2-1 away at Huddersfield, despite Jonny Howson missing a second-half penalty with the game level at one-all. However Howson’s fine volley a minute later made amends for his error. Watford and Stoke drew 1-1 after early goals from Jake Livermore and Ryan Mmaee. The home side had Vakoun Bayo sent off in the second half.