Bamford scores twice as Leeds United thrash WBA
Pablo Hernandez and Patrick Bamford led the way as the Whites kept up the pressure on Championship table leaders Norwich City with 4-0 rout of the West Bromwich Albion.
Leeds ace Bamford scored a brace while Hernandez and Alioski added each in both half to help Bielsa’s side improve to W20-D7-L8, leaving them back to top before the Saturday kick-off.
It was another disappointing night for the Baggies, who now marked 60 points after 35 games this season, who slid to their second straight defeat as Leeds United contained their three-pronged attack – Gayle, Rodriguez and Robson-Kanu.
Reading and Rotherham United upset form book
The fairy tale continues for Rotherham United. One of three rock bottom in drop zone without a win in last 8 games before the visit of Blackburn Rovers, they now find themselves heading into a toe-to-toe grand match-up of the relegation dog-fight after beating the Rovers 3-2 while the Royals defeated another relegation rival Ipswich Town 2-1.
Rotherham United, who won the League One play-off last season to start this game brightly, have now won six home league matches this season. Multiple twists and turns this season continue to contribute the Championship unusual storylines. Grabbing a double by Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi who also found the net last week against Reading, he proved to be a power from the back who fuels the Miller’s stay up hope. The second-half goal by Ryan Williams sealed the fate to win 3-2 although Rovers’ skipper Charlie Mulgrew scored a consolation from the spot late to cause some frenzied moments.
The Lions chief questions readiness of players
Norwich captain Christoph Zimmermann deepened Millwall’s Championship relegation fears with a well-taken goal from a corner set-piece in Norwich’s 3-1 victory in the capital.
Bristol City’s ominous form
The Robin emerged from an underwhelming run of form, which had brought 10 defeats in 33 league matches, to stay the last Play-off place of the 2-tier competition after salvaging a point with Preston North End in 1-1 draw.
Promising promotion contenders
Three sides – Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Derby County have 12 matches left to play and it is increasingly likely that the Boro’s attempt to win their Play-off place will go to the very end of the season. They managed to get one point in Wigan while Derby County only get one point from Ipswich game during last four outings.
Elsewhere, Jarrod Bowen’s double made Hull City’s bid to chase their dreamlike Play-off place. The Tiger kept pace with top six thanks to the Englishman scoring his 17th and 18th league goal of the season. Nottingham Forest remain 9th but are four points behind sixth-placed Bristol City, one behind Derby County, but have played a game more than all two although their 2-0 defeat to Stoke City on the road. FA-cup quarter-finalist Swansea put a strong performance late on to overcome the pressure by winning 2-0 over Bolton Wanderers while Brentford, who won 3-0 against their neighbour QPR maintained their perfect form at home by delivery their seventh consecutive win at Griffin Park.
Sheffield United had to win the Sheffield Derby on Monday to maintain their two-point gap at the top of the table, as closest challengers at the top of pile – Norwich City and Leeds United with their comprehensive victories.