POYA’S GOT FRESH HOPE AS HIS TYKES BEAT ROBINS
ECSTATIC Barnsley boss Poya Asbaghi believes survival would be his greatest achievement following a vital 2-0 win over Bristol City.
Carlton Morris and Michal Helik both scored inside 25 minutes to secure what could be a precious victory.
“This challenge would be my highest achievement,” said Asbaghi, below. “But the only thing we have done with these good performances is given ourselves a chance.
“We haven’t accomplished anything but at least we have some sort of control over our destiny now going into the last games of the season.”
The gap to safety was just two points after fourth-bottom Reading picked up an important point at second-placed Bournemouth. Dominic Solanke seemed to have secured a Cherries victory, but Tom Ince, son of interim boss Paul, notched his first Royals goal with seven minutes remaining to snatch a draw.
Third-placed Huddersfield missed the chance to draw level on points with Bournemouth when they lost 2-0 at Millwall. Benik Afobe notched both goals as the in-form Lions ended Huddersfield’s 17-match unbeaten league run.
Luton romped to an impressive 4-0 home win against Preston. Luke Berry led the way with a double, while Fred Onyedinma and a Bambo Diaby own goal made up the Hatters’ tally.
Forest warmed up for their FA Cup clash with Liverpool with a come-from-behind 3-1 win against QPR.
Andre Gray gave the visitors a first half lead, but Forest struck back in the second half with goals from Djed Spence, a superb 25-yarder, Ryan Yates and Brennan Johnson. The latter two goals came in the final seven minutes.
Steve Bruce’s improving West Brom made it three unbeaten by inflicting leaders Fulham’s first away defeat since early October with Callum Robinson’s 64th-minute strike.
Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough won 2-0 at Birmingham with Aaron Connolly and Folarin Balogun on the mark.
A fine second half comeback by Blackburn saw them beat Derby 3-1. Ravel Morrison turned home in the first-half, but a quickfire double from Scott Wharton and Tyrhys Dolan turned the game on its head before the hour mark. Sam Gallagher made it 3-1 at the death.
Hull earned a 2-0 success at Coventry with goals from Richie Smallwood and Ryan Longman, while Cardiff beat Stoke 2-1.
Blackpool and Sheffield United drew 0-0 and basement side Peterborough fell 3-2 at home against Swansea. Joel Piroe netted a stoppage time winner for the Swans.