CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-UP

THOMAS FRANK believes only ‘coincidence’ has stopped BRENTFORD storming to the Championship title. Saturday’s 3-1 win at DERBY made it seven wins on the bounce, by a cumulative score of 19-2. They have scored more goals than anyone else, with only Leeds conceding fewer, but are three points off automatic promotion. Frank said: ‘Honestly, that’s down to margins, coincidence — we’ve lost 11 games, eight of them 1-0. That’s crazy.’ Frank believes Brentford’s superior goal difference could decide whether they achieve ‘the big dream’. But fitness — and the form of Said Benrahma — are the secret to their post-lockdown push. ‘I hope it’s because the staff and I have created running machines. They just came back in unbelievable shape.’

WEST BROM manager Slaven Bilic admits the staggered nature of the division’s fixtures has added tension to the promotion race, but reminded his team their fate remains in their own hands.

Failure to add to Filip krovinovic’s first-half volley saw Albion draw 1-1 at

BLACKBURN on Saturday. Lunchtime victory for promotion rivals Brentford had filtered through before kick-off. ‘It does make it different. Their result put more pressure on us, but we were in a position — and still are — that we concentrate totally on our game,’ Bilic said. Blackburn substitute Joe rothwell drove fellow replacement Sam Gallagher’s cutback low into the net to salvage an unlikely share of the points at Ewood Park. HULL are running out of chances to avoid relegation after losing 1-0 against MILLWALL courtesy of ryan

Leonard’s early goal. They are one point from safety with three games left and boss Grant McCann admitted: ‘It’s a big week coming up now. We’ve got to make sure we’re much better than today.’ neil Warnock’s MIDDLESBROUGH are still in the relegation mix after losing 3-1 to managerless BRISTOL CITY, but WIGAN are edging to safety despite a potential 12-point deduction after a goalless draw at BARNSLEY. Elsewhere, CHARLTON are just outside the relegation zone after losing 1-0 at home to READING courtesy of a George Puscas penalty, and

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY won 3-0 at QPR.