HITC recounts all the action from this weekend’s results in the Championship.
Nottingham Forest manager Philippe Montanier
Nottingham Forest kicked off Week 18 of the Championship with a 2-5 away win at Barnsley. Forest, who have under-performed this season under new boss, Philippe Montanier, were behind after just five minutes, but a hat-trick from captain, Henri Lansbury as well as goals from Vellios and Osborn gifted the Reds a much needed win.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
The biggest shock of the weekend was found at St James’ Park, as Newcastle lost 0-1 to Championship strugglers, Blackburn. Owen Coyle’s side defended brilliantly throughout, and took the lead through defender Charlie Mulgrew. Dwight Gayle very nearly equalised for Newcastle in the games closing stages, but blasted his shot high into the stands. The defeat marked Newcastle’s first loss since September.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
Derby County’s impressive form under Steve McClaren continued, as the Rams battled to a 1-0 win against Alex Neil’s Norwich City. Despite early pressure from the Canaries, Derby found the opening in the second half after a thunderous strike from former Norwich City midfielder, Bradley Johnson. Norwich’s struggles continue under Neil, whereas McClaren’s Derby have now picked up four wins in a row.
Birmingham’s Clayton Donaldson
Birmingham City picked up an impressive win over Brentford after former Bees striker Clayton Donaldson won and concerted a penalty. Brentford very nearly found their way back into the game, but for some defensive heroics from Ryan Shotton, who went on to double the Blues lead late on. Dean Smith’s side have now only picked up one win in their last eight games, and despite Scott Hogan’s late finish, the Bees find themselves plummeting towards the bottom of the table.
Reading manager Jaap Stam
Other highlights from the Championship included another win for Reading, who came up trumps against Lee Johnson’s Bristol City, winning 2-1. Leeds United impressed in the much-anticipated Yorkshire derby, winning 1-2. Ipswich spoiled Ian Holloway’s good start to his second spell at QPR with a 3-0 win.
Aston Villa Manager Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce’s impressive start to his Aston Villa tenure continued with a thumping 3-1 win over Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City, and Brighton came back from behind to win 2-1 against Fulham, thanks to goals from Sam Baldock and Glenn Murray.
Results
Barnsley 2-5 Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa 3-1 Cardiff City
Brentford 1-2 Birmingham City
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Fulham
Derby County 1-0 Norwich City
Ipswich Town 3-0 Queens Park Rangers
Newcastle United 0-1 Blackburn Rovers
Preston North End 1-1 Burton Albion
Reading 2-1 Bristol City
Wolves 0-2 Sheffield Wednesday
Rotherham United 1-2 Leeds United
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