Print

Mail

wiki links

Watford hold on to Championship lead

Watford maintained their lead at the top of the English Championship with a gutsy 1-0 win against Leicester despite playing half of Tuesday's match with 10 men.

Young midfielder John-Joe O'Toole was sent off for hauling back Stephen Clemence just before half-time at Vicarage Road.

But Adrian Boothroyd's side won it in the 45th minute when Leigh Bromby drilled a low cross to the far post and Darius Henderson was perfectly placed to poke home.

Henderson's 11th goal of the season enabled the Hornets to remain one point ahead of Bristol City and move a further two points clear of West Bromwich Albion.

Bristol City's surprise promotion push gathered pace as Bradley Orr's late goal earned a 1-0 win at Scunthorpe.

Gary Johnson's side moved into second place thanks to an 83rd minute winner from Orr to settle a hard-fought game at Glanford Park.

West Bromwich lost ground in the race to reach the Premier League after being held to a goalless draw by Sheffield United at the Hawthorns.

Tony Mowbray's team slipped to fourth because Stoke held on to defeat Southampton 3-2 in a thrilling match at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke went ahead when Darren Powell sliced the ball into his own net in the 27th minute.

Ryan Shawcross increased Stoke's lead eight minutes later as the defender met Liam Lawrence's cross with a bullet header.

It got even better for the hosts a minute before half-time when Mali striker Mamady Sidibe scored his first goal this season.

Saints staged a determined fightback after the break as Trinidad forward Stern John scored twice, but it wasn't enough.

Ipswich claimed only their second away win this season as Danny Haynes's first half goal secured a 1-0 victory at play-off rivals Crystal Palace.

Andy Cole scored his first hat-trick for over seven years as Burnley roared back from two goals down to stun QPR with a 4-2 win at Loftus Road.

In-form QPR looked odds on to record another win when goals from Gavin Mahon and Patrick Agyemang put them in control.

But former Manchester United striker Cole brought Burnley back into it when he deflected a free-kick past Lee Camp four minutes before half-time.

Inevitably it was Cole got the equalizer in the 56th minute before Ade Akinbiyi put the visitors ahead.

Cole rounded off a stunning victory in the final minutes.

Johnnie Jackson gave Colchester a crucial 2-1 win against fellow strugglers Preston at Layer Road.

Scott Vernon broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after Preston defender Sean St Ledger was sent off for a professional foul.

Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor leveled for the visitors in the 81st minute, but Jackson won it with two minutes to play.

Elsewhere, Jamie Mackie scored twice on his debut to help Plymouth beat 10-man Barnsley 3-0 at Home Park.

Sheffield Wednesday shared a goalless draw with Charlton , Blackpool drew 0-0 with Wolverhampton , managerless Coventry were held 0-0 by Cardiff and Norwich drew 1-1 with Hull .
This story has been viewed 745 times.