Latest ChampionShip News

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SOUSA: SWANS WERE WORTHY WINNERS


Swansea manager Paulo Sousa believes his side were rewarded for their persistence after a late goal by Federico Bessone sent his side up to third in the Coca-Cola Championship with a 1-0 win over Derby.

The full-back struck in the 81st minute with an angled drive to see off a very poor Derby side who never looked like troubling the Swans, who are now on an 11-match unbeaten run.

Sousa insists his side thoroughly deserved their victory after the Rams had provided dogged resistance.

"It was like trying to break down a brick wall, and it is not easy when all a team does is come here and defend," said Sousa.

"We had 70% of the possession, and were the only side wanting to win the game.

"They came looking for a point, as most teams usually do when they come here, and we take that as a compliment, but it was a great strike by Federico Bessone to win us the game.

"We fully deserved the victory, as we remained patient right up to scoring the goal."

Swansea had a great chance of opening the scoring in the eighth minute when Nathan Dyer raced on to a poor backpass by Gary Teale, but after he rounded the keeper, his shot went into the side netting.

Craig Beattie had Derby keeper Stephen Bywater sprawling to save from a crackling corner in the 27th minute, and then Cedric van der Gun fired inches wide as Swansea piled on the pressure.

They started the second period where they left off, with Dyer causing the visiting defence all sorts of trouble, but the final ball just eluded the Swansea front men as Derby defended in strength.

They broke through in the 70th minute, but Beattie's shot lacked power and Bywater saved low down.

It took a superb tackle by Robbie Savage to deny Dyer as the one-way traffic continued.

But the breakthrough finally came when Bessone raced on to a cross-field pass to fire home his first goal for the club.

"We were close to a point, and defended well, but we were not good enough going forward, as we couldn't hold on to possession," said Derby manager Nigel Clough.

"Our rearguard action almost won us a point, but we lost concentration for one minute, and that was that.

"We are not in the right mentality at the moment, and tonight it has cost us dearly.

"We have to take some of our home form away with us, as we seem to be lacking in confidence.

"It is only our home displays that are saving us from being adrift at the bottom of the division."



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SWANS GO THIRD IN CHAMPIONSHIP

Federico Bessone smashed home a late winner as Swansea moved up to third in the Coca-Cola Championship with a richly-deserved 1-0 victory over struggling Derby.

Paulo Sousa's side, who went into the game on the back of a 10-match unbeaten run, were in control throughout at the Liberty Stadium but were unable to apply the necessary finishing touch until Bessone's 81st-minute winner - his first goal for the club.

The Argentinian latched onto a delightful through ball from substitute Joe Allen before thumping home a left-footed shot into the top corner to the delight of the home faithful.

Although Derby defended bravely, they could have few complaints with the final result having failed to offer anything by way of an attacking threat.

And while Swansea look set to challenge at the top end of the table this season, the Rams remain in 18th - just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Swans boss Sousa said: "It was like trying to break down a brick wall, and it is not easy when all a team does is come here and defend.

"We had 70% of the possession, and were the only side wanting to win the game.

"They came looking for a point, as most teams usually do when they come here, and we take that as a compliment, but it was a great strike by Federico Bessone to win us the game.

"We fully deserved the victory, as we remained patient right up to scoring the goal."

Rams manager Nigel Clough said: "We were close to a point, and defended well, but we were not good enough going forward, as we couldn't hold on to possession.

"Our rearguard action almost won us a point, but we lost concentration for one minute, and that was that."




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McPHAIL DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

Cardiff have confirmed that midfielder Stephen McPhail is suffering from cancer.

The 29-year-old former Republic of Ireland international has been diagnosed with stage one malt lymphoma.

McPhail, who joined Cardiff three years ago, is aiming to return to football by January 2010.

The announcement on the Welsh club's website says: "Stephen McPhail has been diagnosed with a stage one malt lymphoma, previously known as a pseudo lymphoma.

"Treatment is expected to last for three weeks with a return to football by January 2010.

"The club requests that the privacy of Stephen, his wife, and young family be respected during his recovery."

Malt lymphoma is a relatively rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to cancer charity Macmillan.

It is most common in the stomach but may also occur in the lung, the thyroid, salivary gland and other organs such as the intestine.

Most cases of malt lymphoma affecting the stomach are caused through infection by bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

It is treated with antibiotics, radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy.


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O'DRISCOLL THRILLED BY ROVERS

Sean O'Driscoll was satisfied his side "ticked all the boxes" after watching Doncaster spring a 2-0 upset on high-flying QPR at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Two goals in 12 second-half minutes settled matters, Billy Sharp stabbing an opener from close range eight minutes after the break before Dean Shiels netted a sweetly-struck low shot from the edge of the box.

QPR charged forward in an effort to get back in the game but Rovers, often accused of having more style than substance, cantered through the final stages to claim only their second win in 12 games.

"I thought we were excellent," said O'Driscoll.

"We've had great performances and not had the right results and sometimes we have played, in our eyes, poorly and got points.

"But we ticked all the boxes today; we got the right performance and the right result."

The first half was close, both teams playing excellent football without looking particularly dangerous in the area.

Rangers' seven-goal striker Jay Simpson arguably could have done better with a fifth-minute volley and Mikele Leigertwood dragged a shot wide 20 minutes later.

In between, Rovers' John Oster had a 25-yard free-kick flicked wide by Radek Cerny and Shiels hit the Czech keeper from close range, but the best play came after the break.

Simpson had the first chance, pulling wide from distance, but Doncaster made their breakthrough when Sharp was given too much space in the six-yard box and prodded the ball over the line.

Shiels added a second after more lax defending, opening the door for Doncaster to play what O'Driscoll described as "beautiful football".

"You could see the confidence after the first goal," he said. "It's nice to see. The chests came out, everyone wanted the ball. When they get like that we are difficult to beat."

O'Driscoll was relieved to see his side claim a win after squandering winning positions in six previous games - but insisted his emphasis will remain on stylish play.

"We have been ahead in a lot of big games and not quite been able to get a result but we have learnt from the experience, got better and looked good," he said.

"We had a sequence of about 35 passes at one point and I think we deserved the result.

"The result is important but if you put the emphasis on winning, the outcome is more important than the processes and we work on processes. If you play right then the results will come."

QPR boss Jim Magilton was disappointed by his side's defending and admitted the final half-hour was the worst since he arrived in June.

"Very disappointed for both goals," he said. "We were architects of our own downfall in some ways.

"I thought it was an even game, but at times we looked lethargic, as if we had had two weeks off.

"We looked like we had lads who had been reading nice things about themselves. We had opportunities and moments, but Doncaster are a good side and we didn't take our chances.

"It's difficult because we set high standards and we fell. At half-time I felt we should go for the game but Jay's miss summed up our afternoon.

"For the last half-hour it was as poor as they have played for me. I can't be too hard on them because they have been very good until now."



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MACKAY HAPPY AS HORNETS BUZZ


Malky Mackay agreed his Watford side had enjoyed a good day after watching them claim a third successive home win to continue their rise up the Coca-Cola Championship table.

A quickfire first-half brace from Heidar Helguson, who made it five goals in just four loan appearances back at what was his first English club, and Danny Graham's strike early in the second half guided the Hornets to a 3-0 win over Scunthorpe.

The victory propelled Watford to eighth in the table with just goal difference keeping them out of the play-off places.

Mackay was pleased with the all-round efforts of his team especially in light of the international break.

He said: "It certainly was a (good day). To score three goals, keep a clean sheet, and another three points is certainly very pleasing.

"Coming back after a two-week international break you always hope that you have done the right thing in terms of the time you have given off, the training you have done, the fitness work you do and just the boys being away from each other for a couple of days.

"To end up with a performance like that I was very, very pleased."

Asked about the contribution of Helguson the Scot added: "I know that he's going to cause problems for the centre-half and the partnership with him and Danny Graham, certainly today caused people problems.

"I am delighted that Danny Graham got his goal because he's been working so hard every day in training and he worked so hard in games."

Scunthorpe have now conceded 12 goals in four league games and boss Nigel Adkins said: "Obviously the goals they gave away I am very disappointed with.

"We knew that Watford were a good side, very lively and industrious in the centre of the park and having Henri Lansbury with us last year, we knew that.

"I thought the three of them in their (midfield) were superb and the front two did very well, and the front five I thought they were excellent.

"We've come away from home to try and nullify that as best as possible to give ourselves an opportunity to go forward and score, and we did create chances, but if we can't defend a simple cross into the middle of the six-yard box then we're not going to win games of football, it's as simple as that."

Watford took the lead in the 19th minute when Henri Lansbury found Tom Cleverley on the left side of the penalty area and he clipped a lofted ball towards the edge of the six-yard box where Helguson got goal-side of his man to head firmly past Josh Lillis.

Within three minutes the Iceland international had doubled his tally, but this time the quality of the ball was even better - Graham digging out the superb cross from tight to the right touchline - as the Scunthorpe defence was again found wanting, leaving Helguson totally unmarked to head home.

Scunthorpe's best chance of getting back into the game came shortly before the break when a combination of England Under-21 keeper Scott Loach and two team-mates made a fine block to deny Sam Togwell, but within four minutes of the re-start the game was over.

Adkins made a double change at the interval but one of the substitutes Bondz N'Gala was involved in an awful mix-up that allowed Lansbury to latch on to the ball on the left side of the penalty area and square for Graham, who high footed home from the edge of the area to score his first goal in eight games.




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LATE WINNER WAS JUST REWARD - PEARSON

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson believes his side got reward for their attacking mindset as they beat Plymouth 1-0 thanks to Andy King's stoppage-time strike.

The match had looked set to end in a stalemate before Wales international King converted after a goalmouth scramble to keep the Foxes on pace with the top six.

Pearson said it was no less than his side had deserved against a gritty Pilgrims outfit who remain inside the bottom three.

"The important thing today was that we tried to win throughout while Plymouth would have been happy with a point," Pearson said.

"We deserved our three points, although we weren't at our best.

"We nicked it late on, but that's the nature of football. I'm delighted for the players because their application was first class.

"The players have shown they are hungry for success. They are a group of talented players who are striving to be in a better place, whether we can achieve that success in the form of promotion remains to be seen."

Leicester defender Wayne Brown echoed his manager's thoughts: "We were never in danger today, it always felt comfortable. The lads kept going, showed great belief and got their just rewards.

"There was only one team pressing to win the game and that was us.

"It's not ideal to score a winner in the 94th minute, but it still means three points on the board."

Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock admitted that conceding the late winner was hard to take.

"To get kicked in the teeth like we did at the end is hard to take," he said.

"It's so heart-rending when you've given so much. We stifled them for long periods and stuck to our game plan."

But Sturrock could still find positives from his side's performance.

"It's hard to take but there's definitely progress being made at the club. This is a difficult place to come but we could have gone home undefeated in four games," he added.

"How this will affect the player's minds, I don't know, because they work so hard but they are a young bunch and they are getting better."



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WARNOCK DELIGHTED WITH IN-FORM AMBROSE


Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock believes in-form Darren Ambrose can keep improving after he maintained his impressive scoring form in the 1-1 draw at Coventry.

The visitors had taken a first-half lead when Ambrose scored his 11th goal of the season.

Ambrose, who signed for Palace on a free transfer in the summer, has scored all of his team's five goals in their last five games and tapped in an off-target cross-shot from Freddie Sears in the 28th minute before Leon Best replied right after half-time for Coventry.

Palace manager Warnock said: "I am pleased with a point. I felt we should have had a penalty in the first half and if we had gone in 2-0 up then I don't think they would have come back from that.

"Darren is in good form and the goal he scored today is one of the most difficult because it was about anticipation. Who else would be thinking that Freddie would hit his shot like that? But I think there is even more to come from him."

The Sky Blues have not won in seven games but their performance and point pleased manager Chris Coleman who handed a debut to defender Richard Wood after he joined on loan from Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.

City had a great chance to take the lead in the first minute when goalkeeper Julian Speroni made a hash of a routine backpass but Michael McIndoe was forced too wide to take advantage.

Ambrose cracked a fierce shot from 30 yards after seven minutes but it flew over before Keiren Westwood denied Neil Danns.

Palace were worthy of their lead when Ambrose scored from close range, but Coventry were much improved as they grabbed an equaliser at the start of the second half.

McIndoe crossed from the left and Best headed in his eighth goal of the season.

Coventry dominated the second period but were foiled in front of goal as Wood and Clinton Morrison saw chances go begging and Alan Lee almost headed into his own net.

"It was a tough game and I knew it would be," said Coleman.

"There was a lot of courage and a lot of spirit and the reason we didn't get three points wasn't a lack of effort, things are just not dropping for us.

"We have been playing square pegs in round holes and you can only do that for so many games.

"We had a lot of players back today and that showed but I want to see them play half a dozen games together, then you have a chance.

"I have told the strikers I want them to work harder for the team and they did that today."



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RODGERS ENJOYS BREAKTHROUGH WIN

Reading manager Brendan Rodgers watched his side claim their first home win since January by beating Blackpool 2-1 and then proclaimed it was like "winning the World Cup".

The Royals had not tasted success at the Madjeski Stadium since January 27 while Rodgers had seen his side come up short on eight occasions at home since taking over in the summer.

But second-half strikes from Gylfi Sigardsson and substitute Grzegorz Rasiak, either side of Brett Ormerod's equaliser, finally gave the Scottish boss reason to smile.

"That was thoroughly deserved. We had a terrific start and hopefully people can see the growth and development in the squad. That's seven points from the last nine," Rodgers said.

"I am a slow starter, but the last three games have shown that the performance and results are improving.

"It's a big credit to the players who have been carrying the burden of the home run but still kept playing with confidence.

"I got drenched going in to the middle of the pitch to applaud the supporters at the end but I would have slid there on my knees if I could have done."

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway admitted the hosts had been good value for their win.

"I was very disappointed. I think my goalkeeper was too busy for my liking," he said.

"I think Reading played better than us and their wide men were a handful.

"The reports we had suggested they shouldn't be down where they are. I expected them to play a 4-4-2 and I was surprised when they lined up with one in front.

"They changed to cope with us, which was a tribute to us.

"Last year we used to grind out results but this year we are trying to play attractive football.

"We had a five-and-a-half-hour trip yesterday and I don't think our preparation was right. The players said they were hungry and wanted to eat early.

"Towards the end I complained about the multi-ball system which I wasn't happy with. I am campaigning to get rid of it.

"My players didn't get it back as quick as theirs, but when Reading went ahead their players went to get the ball themselves."

Rasiak's winner came seven minutes from time after he came on for injured Wales international Simon Church. Rasiak swept in Marek Matejovsky's cross and set the seal on a fine Reading performance.

Reading dominated the first half but Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks made a number of fine saves, notably from Church and Job McAnuff.

Amazingly it was Blackpool who came closest to scoring before the break with Ben Burgess thumping a right-foot effort against the upright.

Early in the second half Reading went ahead when Sigurdsson raced in to fire Job McAnuff's left wing cross into the net.

Blackpool hit back with Ormerod putting the finishing touch to a three-man move, but Reading were not to be denied and Rasiak's goal proved to be the one that lifted them out of the bottom three.



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ROBINS WANTED DICKINSON TO STEP ASIDE

Barnsley boss Mark Robins revealed he wanted Carl Dickinson to hand over free-kick duties before the defender struck a last-minute winner to beat Cardiff 1-0.

Cardiff defender Mark Hudson handled the ball and Dickinson's 20-yard free-kick in the third minute of stoppage-time took a deflection off Michael Chopra in the visitors' wall on its way into the net. There was only just time for Cardiff to restart the match, as Dickinson's first goal for Barnsley secured all three points.

Robins said: "You can call it lucky but you play to the end of the game and we've been given a free-kick. I was desperately trying to get Carl off it but he strode up and hit it. To score the winner in the last minute gives the fans something to think about.

"I thought we played excellently and played some good stuff. We created a few chances. Today was going to be about who defended the set-pieces better and we got our goal from a set-piece.

"We picked up where we left off against Sheffield United. Today we've got we deserved and we've moved the ball around well in difficult conditions."

As the match progressed Barnsley always looked likely to score. Midway through the second half Hugo Colace's shot from 22 yards was deflected for a corner with goalkeeper David Marshall going the wrong way.

Adam Hammill won a free-kick when he was bundled to the ground by Joe Ledley. Nobody could get a touch on Hammill's free-kick and as it bounced in the six-yard area Cardiff managed to hook the ball clear.

Barnsley won another free-kick when Dickinson was brought down, and Hammill's effort from 22 yards was comfortably saved by Marshall.

Ten minutes from time Marshall punched substitute Iain Hume's shot to Colace at the edge of the area but he blasted his shot inches over.

Cardiff had started the second half brightly and should have taken the lead through Chris Burke when he met Peter Whittingham's cross from the right at the far post, but the Scottish winger's header was blocked by defender Ryan Shotton.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones was disappointed with the late winner.

Jones said: "It's a cruel way to lose a football match. Some time it will go for us and we've got to take our chances.

"It looked like it was going to be 0-0. We didn't get the ball down to clear it and it rolled and hit his arm. Last year we missed out on promotion on goal difference. Some players need to learn to have a bit more control, be disciplined and take a point. Both defences were good and neither team's attackers did anything."



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STRACHAN ADMITS BORO MUST IMPROVE

Manager Gordon Strachan admits his Middlesbrough side have plenty to work on after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest at the Riverside Stadium.

Boro took an early lead through Leroy Lita's fifth-minute strike, but failed to press home their advantage as the game wore on.

And after seeing Forest grab a deserved second-half equaliser through substitute Rob Earnshaw's free-kick, Strachan had few complaints with the final result.

"I'm happy with the way we started the game and the first 30 to 35 minutes, but not happy with the rest of the game," said the Scot.

"The two games we played before this (defeats to Plymouth and Crystal Palace) I felt we could have won, but the most likely team to win this game was Nottingham Forest.

"I thought the back four and (goalkeeper) Brad (Jones) played well but the most important thing in football is to score goals and I don't think we were much of a threat to be honest.

"Our retention of the ball was poor and when we got it back we rushed things, so you struggle from there."

The result leaves Strachan still searching for his first win since replacing Gareth Southgate at the helm.

And when asked if he felt the side had made progress since his arrival, he frankly admitted: "It doesn't look like it, no. Not at all. It's not been a great three weeks for the players, for me or for the fans.

"My concern just now is making us into a better team.

"We have to try and find a formula or a formation that gives us more of a goal threat.

"At the moment I can't put my finger on it and it's something you have to get.

"Every job is a big challenge. I didn't think it was going to be easy, that's for sure. I'm not a silly man.

"We're judged as players and managers when we walk out of the door. But people can be unhappy just now, I understand that."

Forest boss Billy Davies had mixed emotions after seeing his side recover from a dismal first-half showing.

Davies revealed he had read the riot act to his players at the interval, but gave them credit for the way they responded to maintain their unbeaten away record.

"I think the first half was as poor as we've been this season," he said. "We looked complacent and I just felt we didn't play with any pace.

"We were their best player at times because we kept giving them the ball too easily and that's why I was so angry.

"But after one or two choice words at half-time we came out and showed what we are all about.

"I'm pleased because of the reaction. I'm very proud of the run that we're on and the away record that we carry.

"We've got a lot to learn and you saw that in the opening 45 minutes. But they're a great bunch and I thought in the second half we really showed our potential."



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BLACKWELL HAILS BATTLING BLADES


Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell saluted his players after they ended a run of eight games without a win with a 1-0 victory at home to Peterborough.

A goal for Henri Camara on his full debut for the club was enough to give the Blades all three points as Peterborough were left to rue a penalty miss from George Boyd.

"I thought they all acquitted themselves very well," said Blackwell.

"I give credit to the lads, especially the likes of Lee Williamson, Henri Camara and Jamie Ward who've all only recently returned to action. We knew they were going to tire."

Blackwell was also delighted with the performance of penalty-saving goalkeeper Mark Bunn.

"Bunny's had it tough lately because he's found how difficult it is to play for a big club, but I thought he put in an accomplished performance. I'm delighted for him because he's a smashing lad."

New Peterborough boss Mark Cooper, who took charge of the side for the first time since replacing Darren Ferguson, felt they were unlucky to leave Bramall Lane empty-handed.

He said: "We definitely deserved a point. It was a pretty even first half and I thought we were the better team in the second half.

"We looked quite solid as a team - especially at the back and in the middle - so there was plenty to be pleased with."

Cooper refused to blame Boyd for his failure from the spot, commenting: "We're not going to criticise George because I'm sure he'll win us plenty of games."

Despite remaining rock-bottom of the Championship, Cooper feels he can steer Posh to safety.

"I'm more confident after seeing that than I was during the week," he said.

Peterborough threatened early on with a low drive from Boyd flashing narrowly wide of Bunn's left-hand post and Chris Whelpdale putting a 20-yard effort just over.

Blades striker Ched Evans went close to opening the scoring when his shot crashed against the underside of the bar before bouncing away.

The only goal of the game came on 42 minutes when Camara followed up to turn home the rebound after Evans saw his effort parried by Lewis.

Peterborough threatened Bunn's goal on several occasions after the break.

Craig Mackail-Smith created space for himself inside the area, but he only managed a tame shot which was easily kept out.

Mackail-Smith was again in the thick of the action, heading wide from a Scott Griffiths cross.

Peterborough's best chance to score came in the 67th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Mackail-Smith was fouled by Andrew Davies inside the area.

Boyd's spot-kick had plenty of power, but it was kept out by Bunn who made a good save low to his left.




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WE WON'T GET COMPLACENT - DI MATTEO


West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo vowed not to get carried away with life at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship after seeing his side hammer Bristol City for a third successive win.

Early strikes from Jerome Thomas and Chris Brunt, an own goal by Louis Carey and a 48th-minute effort from Simon Cox moved Albion a point clear of Newcastle, who do not play until Monday.

Paul Hartley grabbed a consolation in the 82nd minute with a 35-yard free-kick in his 400th league start.

Di Matteo, whose side have now scored 11 goals in their last three games, said: "You can't be higher than top so after 17 games we can be pleased.

"But we will not be getting complacent.

As long as we stay at the right end of the table for as long as possible that will be good for us.

"It is still very close at the top and it can only take two bad games to put you right back in the mix. I will just keep going as this is still early days in my managerial career.

"The expectations are very high at the club and it is great to work for a club like this as I am very ambitious myself.

"I thought it was an excellent performance and I was delighted with the display.

We looked very strong.

"Getting an early goal is in your game plan and getting those goals at the start of the second half meant that the game was over."

City had arrived at The Hawthorns on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run and having lost just twice this season.

But there was no way back after Albion's quick double and City boss Gary Johnson said: "You can't give a team like West Brom a two goal start and then give them another two goals just after half time which killed us.

"We are very disappointed but we are not totally distraught after coming up against a very good side who are strong at home.

"We had a little bit of the play but didn't take our chances.

At 2-0 you know the next goal is vital and they got it.

"After a result like this you slaughter the players first because that is how you feel because we did defend poorly and didn't create enough opportunities.

"You let them know we are disappointed and they will take home a video and then come in and discuss whether they feel they have affected the game at this level as an individual.

"They have to be doing that at this level for us to be challenging for a top two spot.

"We have lost our seven-game unbeaten record and we will now have to rally the troops for the two home games that are coming up."




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BAGGIES CRUISE TO TOP SPOT Coca Cola Championship


West Brom jumped to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship with an emphatic 4-1 win at home to Bristol City.

The Baggies went a point above Newcastle - who play Preston on Monday - after Jerome Thomas' fourth goal of the season gave them the lead and Northern Ireland international Chris Brunt added the second soon after.

Louis Carey's own goal less than two minutes into the second half heaped more misery on the visitors with Simon Cox volleying in a fourth less than a minute later.

Paul Hartley managed a consolation seven minutes from time.

Leicester moved third with a last-gasp 1-0 win at home to Plymouth.

The sides were heading for a goalless draw until Andy King smashed home the winner nearly three minutes into added time to delight the home fans at the Walkers Stadium.

Mark Cooper endured a difficult start to life as a manager in the Championship as his Peterborough side went 1-0 down in their clash with Sheffield United.

Posh looked to be heading in goalless at half-time but Henri Camara grabbed his first goal for the Blades three minutes before the break.

They could have taken a point from the match had Mark Bunn not saved George Boyd's 66th-minute penalty.

Gordon Strachan is still awaiting his first win as Middlesbrough boss after a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest the Riverside.

Leroy Lita's early strike gave them a 1-0 lead but Robert Earnshaw deservedly brought the visitors level in the 73rd minute.

Scunthorpe suffered a fifth consecutive away defeat in the Championship after going down 3-0 at Watford.

Following two goals in three minutes from Icelandic striker Heidar Helguson in the first half, Danny Graham wrapped it up three minutes after the break.

Leon Best cancelled out Darren Ambrose's 11th league goal of the season as Coventry came from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Crystal Palace.

Reading's desperate search for a long-awaited victory at the Madejski Stadium finally ended with a 2-1 win over Blackpool.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (52) saw his opener chalked off by Brett Ormerod's equaliser for Blackpool, but Grzegorz Rasiak (82) stepped up to the plate to win it for the home side.

Carl Dickinson's free-kick deep into injury-time earned Barnsley a 1-0 win over Cardiff, who had been hit by the news of midfielder Stephen McPhail being diagnosed with cancer.

Doncaster beat QPR 2-0 as Billy Sharp broke the deadlock following a goalless first half with Northern Ireland international Dean Shiels curling home a second in the 65th minute.

Roy Keane saw Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Lee Grant deny him a much-needed Championship win at Portman Road as Ipswich remain entrenched in the relegation zone following a 0-0 draw.

Lee Martin, Alan Quinn and Carlos Edwards were all denied by Grant - though the visitors did have a strong case for a penalty waved away in the first half.




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TONGE HOPES FOR PRESTON DEBUT

Preston boss Alan Irvine could hand a debut to Stoke midfielder Michael Tonge when Newcastle visit Deepdale for Monday's televised clash.

The 26-year-old Stoke midfielder has not featured for the Potters in the Premier League this season and has made just three Carling Cup appearances.

Tonge has joined on loan until December 28 and is in line to make his bow against the Magpies as North End aim to record their first win in four matches and prevent Chris Hughton's outfit from regaining top spot in the Championship.

Midfielder Barry Nicholson remains sidelined but is hoping to be back in action early next year as he recovers from a broken leg.

The Scot broke two bones in his right leg during the 2-0 victory over Peterborough in August.

Newcastle are waiting for new signing Fabrice Pancrate to receive clearance.

The French winger penned a deal over the weekend after a two-week trial period with the north-east club and he will be desperate to prove his credentials at Deepdale as the Magpies look to regain top spot in the Championship.

Manager Chris Hughton has confirmed midfielder Jonas Gutierrez will be fit after pulling out of Argentina's squad due to a thigh problem sustained in the 3-1 win over Peterborough last time out.

Striker Shola Ameobi narrowly misses out, however, as he looks to return to first-team training on Tuesday following his lengthy spell on the sidelines with a foot injury.

Defender Zurab Khizanishvili serves the third and final game of his three-match suspension while long-term absentee Joey Barton remains out until the new year as he recovers from his foot operation.


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HUGHTON HOPES FOR MONDAY MAGIC

Newcastle can return to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship if they maintain their habit of winning Monday matches.

The Magpies take on Preston at Deepdale knowing a third win on a Monday night will return them to the summit at the expense of West Brom, their Premier League rivals of last season.

Despite defeating Leicester and Sheffield United previously, however, manager Chris Hughton told the club's official website: "It's not ideal playing on a Monday and we would prefer to play at three o'clock on Saturday.

"But it's the same for both teams and by the time kick-off comes around I'm sure we'll both be raring to go.

"Our last Monday night game was at Sheffield United and that was an incredibly tough encounter and I expect this to be exactly the same.

"They're a side which has done very well over the last few seasons and are hardened to this division now.

"Alan Irvine has done a great job and he is someone I know very well and respect.

"They have both that physical threat and the ability to play football and, of course, they're very good at home.

"We know we'll have to be at our best and I'm looking for that same spirit from the Sheffield United game."

Alan Irvine celebrated two years in charge of Preston this week and believes the battle for promotion is getting harder by the season in the Championship.

"If you look at the size of the clubs who are in it I think it's more difficult to get out of now," said Irvine, who boosted his squad ahead of the visit of United with the loan signing of Michael Tonge from Stoke.

"I've spoken to two very experienced managers who've both managed at this level, as well as in the Premier League, and they say they hate the Championship - because it's such a hard division to win games in."



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MAGPIES SNAP UP PANCRATE

Newcastle have signed Fabrice Pancrate after he impressed on trial at St James' Park.

The 29-year-old had been on trial at the Championship side for the last two weeks and he has impressed the club's coaching staff.

Pancrate arrives on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint Germain in the summer and he has agreed a deal until the end of the season with the option to extend his contract.

Portsmouth, Burnley and Sheffield United were all linked with Pancrate in the summer, but Newcastle have lured him to Tyneside.

Pancrate is waiting to see if he will be able to make his debut in Monday's match at Preston as he awaits international clearance



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STRACH - I WILL GET IT RIGHT

Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan insists he will get things rights.

Strachan has won just one game since taking charge of the club at the end of October and has seen them sink to 14th in the Championship.

Strachan insists things will improve at The Riverside as he has full belief in his own ability.

"I cannot speak about what has gone on before here, but I know what I do works," Strachan said.

"The most overused thing I have heard in my life is the phrase 'proving people wrong'. It is naff. I think you have to prove to yourself you can deal with it first. Everybody else does not matter. People say, 'Prove the critics wrong', but who are the critics?

"If Kenny Dalglish says this and that about you then you sit up and think about it, but if someone who has never kicked a ball says something then so what? It does not count.

"I ask myself every day, am I good enough to deal with it? The results have made things harder but as a manager I have got the answers.

"I have kept to the same principles I had as a footballer.

"I picked up a lot of good habits from Sir Alex Ferguson about how you should live your life and all the rest of it and I carried that on. Through the discipline he gave me I managed to play to a fair age and I am trying my best to make sure the players here carry on to a fair age by making them disciplined in their lifestyle.

"I'm sure the players will tell you they have a lot of good fun and laughs at the same time. It is fitness and intelligence you give them as well, that is all part of the responsibility of management. It might take a wee while but we will get there.

"Does it hurt like hell? I would not like to pass it on, but saying that, there are, by a million miles, people who are far worse off than me, the coaches and the players."


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SGRAY BACK FOR TOON

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Michael Gray will return to contention for the home game with Newcastle.

Gray missed the weekend defeat to Swansea due to a virus, but caretaker manager Sean McAuley could put the former Sunderland left-back straight back in against leaders Newcastle.

The Owls have failed to score in their last six league games - they have lost their last five - and McAuley is expected to make several changes for his second match in charge.

Francis Jeffers was a half-time substitute against Swansea and could return to the starting line-up if McAuley opts to shake-up his forward line, while Frank Simek and Tom Soares, on loan from Stoke, are hoping to play bigger roles.

Wednesday, chasing their first league win in 11 matches, have no suspension troubles, but midfielder Tommy Miller is still out with a hamstring problem.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is confident skipper Alan Smith will be fit for the Boxing Day trip.

The former Leeds and Manchester United midfielder picked up a knock to his ankle in Sunday's 2-0 derby victory over Middlesbrough, but is expected to be available for the game at Hillsborough.

Striker Shola Ameobi, who suffered a similar injury in the same game, trained on Wednesday and should also travel.

Fellow frontman Andy Carroll is also available for selection after sitting out the derby through suspension, while Marlon Harewood could play for the final time before his loan spell draws to a close.

Joey Barton (foot) remains the only long-term absentee, and he is on schedule to return to action towards the end of next month.



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BURNLEY AGREE EDGAR FEE

Burnley have agreed a fee of £300,000 with Newcastle for the signing of defender David Edgar.

The 22-year-old moved to Turf Moor in the summer on a four-year deal, but the clubs were unable to reach agreement on the transfer fee.

The matter had been set to go to a tribunal because of the Canada Under-21 international's age.

Edgar has made only one appearance for the Clarets so far, against Hartlepool in the Carling Cup.



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NO WORRIES FOR BAGGIES


West Brom welcome Peterborough to The Hawthorns with no new injury concerns.

The postponement of last Saturday's away clash at Blackpool left head coach Roberto Di Matteo frustrated, but it has allowed a couple of players, including Jerome Thomas, extra time to shake off niggling injuries.

Goalkeeper Scott Carson has seen the timeframe of his three-match suspension extended as a result and he will now serve the second game of his ban against Posh, meaning Dean Kiely continues between the sticks.

Robert Koren (hernia) should return in the not too distant future, while striker Ishmael Miller (knee) is back in training with the first-team and targeting a January comeback.

Midfielder James Morrison (heel) is also making good progress but Neil Clement is facing up to the possibility of retirement as he struggles to overcome a long-term knee injury.

Peterborough defender Gabriel Zakuani remains a fitness concern ahead of the daunting festive trip.

Zakuani returned to the starting line-up against Watford last weekend after a three-game lay-off with his troublesome groin injury but is not yet fully fit.

Manager Mark Cooper will monitor the fitness of Zakuani closer to kick-off, with Craig Morgan set to fill in if required.

Cooper - who tasted victory in the Football League for the first time against the Hornets - has no other injury concerns and will continue to select Aaron Mclean despite the striker handing in a transfer request last week.

Mclean and strike partner Craig Mackail-Smith have scored 15 times between them this season and will line up once again as Posh look for their first win at the Hawthorns since a League Cup win in 1988.

Defender Danny Blanchett has returned after spending the maximum 93-day period with Hereford but is unlikely to feature.




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