Championship Review

Monday, 19/12/2011

by James Beavis

The league leaders’ gap at the summit was reduced once again as Southampton dropped points on the road against their fierce rivals.

In a match dubbed ‘El Classicoast,’ Joel Ward’s late header for Portsmouth ensured that the spoils were shared in their 1-1 draw against arch-enemies Southampton at Fratton Park. Rickie Lambert had earlier notched his 15th strike of the season for the visitors.

West Ham closed the gap to a solitary point after their narrow 1-0 victory against Barnsley. Papa Bouba Diop scored his first goal in English football for six years for the Hammers who ended a run of two straight losses.

Middlesbrough came out on top in the battle of the play-offs as they beat Cardiff 3-2 in the Welsh capital, thanks to Faris Haroun’s well taken goal 15 minutes from time which finished the Bluebirds’ 11-match unbeaten sequence.

Hull tasted success for the fourth consecutive game as they defeated Millwall 2-0 at the KC Stadium with midfielder Robert Koren once again influential in the performance.

Reading moved up to seventh as they beat the side above them, Leeds, 1-0 at Elland Road with Simon Church’s early finish proved the difference between the sides.

Blackpool and Watford played out a goalless draw at Bloomfield Road.

There was drama a plenty at the AMEX as Brighton, who were down to nine men after just 12 minutes because of the dismissals of Romain Vincelot and Ashley Barnes, lost 1-0 against a resurgent Burnley side.

Peterborough beat basement side Coventry, who have now lost seven of their previous eight, 1-0 at London Road.

Ipswich saw off Derby 1-0 to win in East Anglia for the first time in two months.

Billy Sharp’s brace ensured Doncaster beat Leicester 2-1 at the Keepmoat.

Bristol City and Nottingham Forest produced a stalemate at Ashton Gate, meaning Steve Cotterill’s men are without a goal in their last five league fixtures.

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