Championship round-up: Newcastle go top after convincing win, while Aston Villa blow two goal lead

Aston Villa 2-2 Preston North End

Aston Villa blew a two goal lead at Villa Park as the home side failed to end their four game winless streak.

A first half brace from Albert Adomah gave the Villans a comfortable half time lead, before Jordan Hugill scored twice in the second half to rescue a point for the visitors.

The result sees Steve Bruce’s side miss the chance to move into the top half of the table.

Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Birmingham City

Birmingham were denied a first victory in six games as they left Ewood Park with a point instead of a much needed win.

Lukas Jutkiewicz gave the Blues the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, but Danny Graham’s equaliser before the interval ensured Gianfranco Zola will have to wait for his first win as Birmingham’s boss.

The result sees Zola’s side stay in 12th place and above their city rivals Aston Villa.

Cardiff City 1-0 Burton Albion

Cardiff snatched a dramatic late winner to send Burton Albion into the relegation places.

The game looked set to end goalless before Rhys Healey’s strike handed Neil Warnock’s side victory.

The result moves the Bluebirds up to 16th place.

Derby County 3-2 Reading

Derby ended their run of two consecutive defeats as they beat Reading at Pride Park.

John Swift gave the visitors a first half lead, before Darren Bent, Tom Ince and Will Hughes responded for the Rams. Yakou Meite pulled a goal back for the visitors, but it wasn’t enough, as the visitors suffered defeat and a red card, as Jordan Obita was sent off for two bookable offences.

The result sees Steve McClaren’s team move within two points of sixth placed Sheffield Wednesday.

Huddersfield Town 2-0 Ipswich Town

Huddersfield saw off struggling Ipswich in a comfortable home victory as the Terriers cemented their position in the playoffs.

Goals from Isaiah Brown and Christopher Schindler either side of half time helped the hosts to three points and leaves Tractors Boys’ manager Mick McCarthy under considerable pressure.

The result moves Huddersfield into third, while Ipswich stay in 14th.

Newcastle United 4-0 Rotherham United

Newcastle moved back to the top of the table after thrashing Rotherham at St James’ Park.

Two goals from Matt Ritchie and strikes from Daryl Murphy and Ayoze Perez helped the Magpies see off the visitors in comfortable fashion.

The result sees Rafa Benitez’s side move one point clear of Brighton in second place.

Norwich City 3-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Norwich returned to winning ways after edging past Wolves in a close encounter at Carrow Road.

Steven Naismith had given the Canaries a first half lead before Helder Costa equalised for the visitors. Carl Ikeme was handed a straight red card and the 10-men failed to hold on, as Robbie Brady and Jonny Howson struck for the hosts.

The result moves the Canaries up to ninth place.

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Bristol City

Nottingham Forest eased their relegation worries as they beat Bristol City at the City Ground.

Ben Osborn scored the decisive goal for the hosts as interim coach Gary Brazil tasted victory in his first game in charge since Philippe Montanier’s departure.

The result moves Forest five points clear of the relegation zone.

Wigan Athletic 2-1 Brentford

Wigan secured a crucial win in their bid to avoid the drop as they beat Brentford at the DW Stadium.

Sam Morsy’s first half strike and a Harlee Dean own goal handed the hosts a comfortable half time lead, before Jota pulled a goal back for the Bees in the second half.

The result sees the Latics move out of the relegation zone.