McGoldrick helps Blades climb

DAVID McGoldrick headed the winner as Sheffield United beat QPR 1-0 to move up to second in the Championship.

The former Ipswich Town striker scored for the fifth time in his last six League games, pouncing in the 37th minute to ensure the Blades cut the gap on leaders Leeds United, who beat Derby County 2-0 on Friday night, to four points.

Third-placed Norwich City scored late again to salvage a 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion.

Dwight Gayle netted his 14th goal of the season early on but Jordan Rhodes came off the bench to rescue a point for City in the 83rd minute.

Middlesbrough maintained their position in the top six with a 2-1 win away to play-off hopefuls Birmingham City.

Lewis Wing put Boro ahead in the 37th minute and, although Che Adams’ 13th goal this season drew the Blues level, Britt Assombalonga grabbed a late winner.

Nathan Jones’ reign at Stoke City started in disappointing fashion, losing 3-1 at Brentford.

Jones left Luton Town to replace the sacked Gary Rowett earlier last week but Stoke were 2-0 behind inside 17 minutes following an own goal from Ryan Shawcross and Said Benrahma’s effort.

Benik Afobe gave the visitors hope only for Rico Henry to make it 3-1 for the Bees in the 54th minute.

Life after Aitor Karanka started badly for Nottingham Forest with a 2-0 defeat at Reading.

The Spaniard left the City Ground on Friday and nine-man Forest missed the chance to close the gap on the sixth-placed Rams.

John Swift’s effort and an own goal from Jack Robinson secured Jose Gomes’ first win as boss. Forest’s Danny Fox and Tendayi Darikwa were sent off in the second half.