Championship Round-Up: Middlesbrough, Burnley and Brighton all win as the automatic promotion race hots up

Middlesbrough remain two points clear at the top of the Championship after coming from a goal behind to win 2-1 at already-relegated Bolton Wanderers.

Josh Vela gave the Trotters the lead just after the hour mark, but two goals from Jordan Rhodes, whose second came in stoppage-time, ensured Boro remain on course to win automatic promotion.

Brighton temporarily moved up to second place on Friday after they thrashed Fulham 5-0 in an outstanding performance. Goals from Bruno, Anthony Knockaert and a hat-trick from Tomer Hemed sealed a memorable victory for the Seagulls.

However, Burnley restored their place in the top two after winning 2-1 at Birmingham. George Boyd put the visitors in front with a well-placed effort, before Jacques Maghoma levelled the score with a tap-in. However, Boyd’s cross found the Championship Player of the Year, Andre Gray, who notched up his 24th goal of the season.

Hull City virtually guaranteed a spot in the play-offs after a stoppage-time winner against Wolves as the Tigers won 2-1. Adama Diomande put the hosts in front after just five minutes before Dave Edwards equalised to make it 1-1 at half time. Carl Ikeme then scored an own goal three minutes into second half stoppage time when he failed to control Robert Snodgrass’ free-kick.

Charlton were all but relegated to League One after a 1-0 home defeat to Derby, who cemented their place in the play-offs as a result. Johnny Russell was the game’s only goalscorer as he headed in Tom Ince’s cross. The Addicks are now 11 points from safety with four matches left.

Karl Robinson’s MK Dons slipped closer to relegation despite picking up a draw at Preston. Photo: Marc Atkins/Offside.

MK Dons could only draw 1-1 at Preston as they sink closer to relegation, with the club still nine points adrift. Jermaine Beckford scored his first goal of the season, on his return from injury, to give North End the lead just five minutes in. However, Nicky Maynard equalised for the Dons, who then had goalkeeper Cody Cropper sent off after conceding a penalty. Alex Revell donned the number one shirt and incredibly saved Joe Garner’s spot-kick to give the visitors a point.

Rotherham edged closer to Championship survival as they drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest, stretching their unbeaten run to nine matches. The Millers came the closest of the two sides when Richard Wood’s header crashed against the crossbar.

Leeds narrowly beat Reading 3-2 in a thoroughly entertaining match at Elland Road. Michael Hector had put the Royals in front with a well-timed volley, before Toumani Diagouraga’s header made it 1-1. Chris Wood’s strike put the hosts ahead, but Deniss Rakels equalised, only for Woods to restore Steve Evans’ side’s lead with five minutes left to play.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield comfortably beat Blackburn 2-0 at Ewood Park, with Nahki Wells putting the visitors a goal to the good with a fine volley. Rovers defender Matt Kilgallon then put the ball into his own net after he turned in Harry Bunn’s cross.

Brentford rescued a point as they scored in stoppage-time to draw 1-1 with Bristol City. Lee Tomlin ensured the Bees went a goal down with a great solo run and finish, yet Scott Hogan’s strike in the 91st minute secured a point for the hosts.

Ipswich missed the chance to gain ground on the play-off places as they drew 1-1 at Sheffield Wednesday. Fernando Forestieri put the Owls ahead as he netted his third goal in five matches. However, 16-year-old Andre Dozzell scored on his senior debut to ensure a point for Mick McCarthy’s side.

And finally, Cardiff missed the chance to close the gap on Sheffield Wednesday as they drew 0-0 at home to QPR, with neither side creating any clear-cut chances to win the game. Sammy Ameobi’s effort went over the bar as the Bluebirds failed to find a winner.

Player of the Weekend: Tomer Hemed (Brighton)
Team of the Weekend: Brighton
Goal of the Weekend: Lee Tomlin (Brentford vs BRISTOL CITY)