Championship Round-Up: Brighton snatch second spot, Hull City stumble and Ipswich close in on play-offs

Brighton have moved up into second place in the Championship after their 1-0 home win over Reading on Tuesday night.

As the race for automatic promotion heats up, Chris Hughton’s South Coast side took advantage of their closest rivals’ recent poor form to jump into the top two. On loan Manchester United striker James Wilson scored the game’s only goal for the Seagulls, who are now five games without loss. The Royals remain in 15th.

Manchester United striker James Wilson has now scored four goals in 17 appearances whilst on loan at Brighton this term.

Hull City missed their own chance to snatch the runners-up spot after they were held 1-1 at home to Nottingham Forest.

In their first game since the sacking of former manager Dougie Freedman, Forest had Paul Williams in charge and he was almost given the perfect start. Gary Gardner’s stunning long-range effort gave the visitors a half-time lead and looked like causing an upset. But Williams eventually had to settle for a point after Tigers substitute Sone Aluko netted the equaliser. Steve Bruce’s side drop down to fourth and are now six league games without a win.

Ipswich moved to within a point of the play-offs after their 2-0 victory over Blackburn.

Two goals from Daryl Murphy, the first from the penalty spot, was enough to earn the Tractor Boys all three points. Rovers stay in 16th and now without an away league victory since December 5th.

Player of Midweek: Daryl Murphy (Ipswich)
Team of Midweek: Ipswich
Goal of Midweek: Gary Gardner (Hull vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST)