5 things we learned from the EFL weekend

Chris Hughton’s table-topping Brighton and Hove Albion took another telling step towards promotion to the Premier League after they beat Queens Park Rangers 2-1 at Loftus Road on Friday night.

Second-half goals from Glenn Murray and Sebastien Pocognoli secured a huge victory for the Sussex club, in their quest for top-flight football.

The Seagulls are two points clear of second-placed Newcastle United, after Rafael Benitez’s Magpies slipped to a 2-1 defeat on their travels at play-off contenders Sheffield Wednesday in Saturday evening’s televised game.

Elsewhere, third-placed Huddersfield Town also suffered an away defeat, as the Terriers were downed by Nottingham Forest, courtesy of strikes from Eric Lichaj and Jamie Ward, which confirmed a 2-0 loss for the Yorkshiremen.

In League One, Sheffield United ended a six-year hiatus from the Championship after Chris Wilder’s Blades gained promotion with a 2-1 win at his former club, Northampton Town.

Second-half efforts from Leon Clarke, and an 88th minute strike from John Fleck, steered the Steel City club to victory to secure a return to the second-tier.

United’s nearest challengers, Bolton Wanderers, saw their nine-game unbeaten run halted by Scunthorpe United, who increased their play-off prospects after David Mirfin’s header early on separated the two sides at Glanford Park.

Fleetwood Town’s slim automatic promotion aspirations took a blow. The Fylde Coast outfit were beaten 2-0 by Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park.

Nathan Pond’s own goal in the first-half was followed by Lee Erwin’s volley proved to be decisive, with the result meaning Uwe Rosler’s Cod Army are seven points behind second-placed Bolton.

In League Two, Doncaster Rovers gained an immediate promotion back up to League One after Tommy Rowe’s late winner edged past Mansfield Town.

Derek Adams’ Plymouth Argyle, who are second, closed in on the third-tier following Ryan Taylor’s dramatic injury-time goal which clinched a 2-1 win at Crawley Town.

Portsmouth are also set for a promotion, after seeing off Yeovil Town 3-1 at Fratton Park, which moved Paul Cook’s Hampshire outfit eight points clear of fourth-placed Luton Town.

So, after a full round of action, here are five things Shoot! learned from the EFL weekend…