Ipswich 1-0 Blackpool

Michael Chopra helped ease Ipswich's relegation fears as his second-half strike secured victory over Blackpool. Substitute Chopra fired in from 12 yards for his fifth goal of the season after good work by Guirane N'Daw. Tiago Gomes hit the post in the first half for the Seasiders with Ipswich goalkeeper Stephen Henderson turning away Alex Baptiste's goalbound cross. N'Daw also cleared Baptiste's header as Ipswich moved four points clear of the drop zone. The result condemned Blackpool caretaker-manager Steve Thompson to a fifth defeat in his seventh game in charge. Mick McCarthy's Ipswich, who had won only one of their previous six league games, secured back-to-back victories at Portman Road, while Blackpool remain six points clear of the bottom three after only two wins in 10 Championship matches.

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bolton Wanderers

Billy Davies was denied a winning return to Nottingham Forest by a goal from Craig Davies, as Bolton clawed their way back from behind to claim a 1-1 draw at the City Ground. The Reds had produced a promising performance to mark the start of the Scotsman's second spell in charge at the club. But they could not make the most of numerous chances on an afternoon when Bolton keeper Adam Bogdan at times almost single-handedly held them at bay. Andy Reid looked as though he had done enough to secure three points for Forest when he swept home a trademark finish from the edge of the box in the 59th minute, to put his side ahead. But substitute Craig Davies popped up to spoil what had otherwise been an encouraging afternoon for the home side, with a simple finish in the 77th minute.

Birmingham City 0-4 Watford

Watford boosted their hopes of automatic promotion and moved back to third in the table with another excellent showing on their travels as they thrashed Birmingham City 4-0 at St Andrew’s. The Hornets were comfortably the more dangerous side in the first half and Troy Deeney, Almen Abdi and Matej Vydra all had opportunities to make the breakthrough before Deeney headed in an Ikechi Anya cross in the 38th minute. Anya then doubled the lead a minute before the break when after being given the freedom of the right side, he came inside and showed quick feet to fire past Jack Butland. The visitors had to withstand a few edgy moments at the start of the second half as the Blues sought a way back into the contest but 17 minutes after the restart the points were effectively sealed as Deeney tucked away his second at the end of the Hornets’ latest devastating counter-attacking move. It was left to Abdi to complete another very pleasing afternoon’s work when he fired home the fourth from the edge of the area with two minutes remaining as the Hornets made it nine wins on the road this season and sent their superb travelling 2,454-strong support home very happy. Gianfranco Zola made three changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace as the Hornets went into the game with their defensive resources somewhat stretched. Joel Ekstrand was still sidelined with a knee problem and he was joined in the treatment room by Tommie Hoban and Fitz Hall. This meant Marco Cassetti moved back into defence, alongside Nyron Nosworthy, who missed the last match as he was returning from international duty with Jamaica. Cassetti’s enforced change of position saw Anya come in at right wing-back, while Cristian Battocchio was preferred to Jonathan Hogg in the centre of the park. Birmingham also drew their last outing, 1-1 at Charlton Athletic, and boss Lee Clark made two changes to his line-up. Vicarage Road old boy and top scorer Marlon King was ruled out through injury, while Callum Reilly dropped to the bench. Their places went to the new-look strike partnership of Wes Thomas and Peter Lovenkrands, while another familiar face, Paul Robinson, was also in the starting line-up. Interestingly, Cassetti started on the left side of the central defensive trio but it was his team who had the first opening after a minute when Deeney latched on to a poor Morgaro Gomis pass and drove at the defence, beating Steven Caldwell on the outside but as the striker got to the by-line to the right of goal, he sliced a shot from an acute angle behind. The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges and had the first on-target effort of the afternoon when Butland dropped to his right to hold an Anya drive from a Vydra pass after good work by Deeney, who had made a lively start against the team he supports. Birmingham’s first effort came in the 12th minute when Gomis fired harmlessly high and wide from distance. But six minutes later came perhaps one of least surprising outcomes of the match when Robinson was rightly booked for a late challenge on Abdi, leaving the Hornets favourite the prospect of coping with the pace of Anya for the next 70 or so minutes on a booking. Watford continued to be in the ascendency though, and Vydra had the next effort when he curled a right-footed shot over from 20 yards before the Czech striker saw another strike from outside the area deflected behind. From Abdi’s resultant corner on the left, the Hornets were inches away from taking the lead as Deeney glanced a downward header narrowly wide of the far post. Zola’s men went close again in the 25th minute when after some playing some neat keep ball near their left-hand corner flag, Battocchio spread a cross-field ball out to Anya. He took on and beat Robinson on the outside before laying the ball inside to Vydra, who hit a right-footed half-volley on the turn which was straight at Butland and the keeper managed to grab the ball at the second attempt as Deeney closed in. Chris Burke threatened to unhinge the Hornets backline when he attacked the right side of the penalty area and left Daniel Pudil on the ground but the winger’s low delivery was put behind for a corner. But Watford were soon testing Butland again as the England international did well to keep out a firmly struck Abdi shot from the left side of the area after Vydra had laid a Pudil ball from the left into the Swiss midfielder. Butland had to be alert again in the 33rd minute to deal with a Vydra free-kick from close to 30 yards, although the keeper was not unduly tested. However, Clark’s side then had a decent little spell which saw Nosworthy forced to head behind a dangerous Caldwell header and Manuel Almunia deal with an awkward free-kick before Thomas did well to cut back on his left foot on the edge of the area before curling a shot over. But the goal Watford had been threatening did arrive in the 38th minute and it would have given the scorer particular pleasure. Nathaniel Chalobah and Abdi combined in midfield and found Anya on the right and he delivered a pin-point cross for Deeney to rise and plant a header down and beyond Butland to make it 1-0 with his 13th of the campaign. Anya almost created another opening three minutes later when he was again picked out by Abdi in plenty of space but his delivery was too close to the Blues keeper on this occasion, although Deeney was again waiting to pounce. But Anya was to make no mistake the next time he received the ball a minute before the interval. The space the winger initially had after receiving Chalobah’s pass was bordering on the ridiculous but after coming inside and looking for an passing opportunity, he toyed with the Birmingham defence before showing quick feet and slamming a right-footed shot inside Butland’s near post to give the Hornets a two-goal cushion going into the break. Unsurprisingly, the home side were quickly out of the blocks at the start of the second half and it took some smart defensive work by Cassetti to prevent Lovenkrands from getting a clear head on the end of a Burke cross. The former Newcastle United man also had a shot block before a combination of Almunia and Nosworthy prevented him from getting on the end of a bouncing ball inside the six-yard box following more useful work by Burke. After Watford had temporarily eased the pressure by forcing two corners, the Blues won two of their own, the second of which came after Almunia failed to deal with the initial set piece and some more last-gasp defending deflected another Lovenkrands strike behind. The Hornets though, had been sloppy at times since the restart and they were fortunate not to be punished when the overlapping Paul Caddis was able to play in a low cross from the right which the stretching Thomas was inches away from connecting with. Watford were also not too far away soon after when, following a short corner on the left, Abdi struck a curling cross-cum-shot narrowly wide of Butland’s far post. Clark then decided to make his first change on the hour, bringing on Nathan Redmond for Rob Hall. In the 62nd minute though, came the latest example of the visitors’ sometimes supreme counter-attacking ability. The Hornets found themselves with the freedom of the opposition right when a Blues attack broke down and Robinson was caught upfield. Vydra the led charge and slipped in Anya to his right after he had made up plenty of ground to get up in support. The right midfielder then squared the ball across the area to Deeney, who tucked away his second of the afternoon high into the roof of the net to make it 3-0. Both sides made a change three minutes later as Adam Thompson came on for Pudil and Robinson’s tough afternoon was ended when he was replaced by Mitch Hancox. Watford were soon back on the attack though, with Vydra firing over from the left side of the area after being found by Lloyd Doyley, who was now operating as left wing-back following the substitution. The Blues weren’t too far away from a consolation in the 73rd minute when a Burke cross found Redmond in space at the far post and he headed down but the wrong side of Almunia’s right-hand upright. A limping Anya’s fine contribution then came to an enforced end when he had to make way for Sean Murray. To their credit, the hosts were still refusing to lie down though, and Curtis Davies wasn’t too far away with a low shot after popping up in the Hornets area. Lovenkrands was closer still when an outstretched leg somewhat inadvertently connected with the ball on the edge of the six-yard box after nobody had been able to get a head on a Burke cross, but Almunia was able to get across and make the save. Lovenkrands was booked for dissent after overly protesting when referee Craig Pawson refused to buy his appeals for a penalty after going down under Thompson’s strong challenge. Vydra made way for Hogg with six minutes remaining and four minutes later they made it 4-0. Battocchio nicked the ball away from Redmond in midfield and tried to play in Deeney but the ball ran to Abdi. His first shot was partially blocked and initially it looked like Battocchio would be able to round Butland and tuck the ball away. However, his follow-up was also blocked but only as far back as Abdi, who emphatically fired in his third goal in as many games from the edge of the area to round off another fine awayday.

Hull 1-0 Charlton

Gedo continued his impressive introduction to English football with the only goal of the game as Hull saw off Charlton to remain second in the Championship. The Egyptian, a deadline-day addition for the Tigers, scored as a substitute against Derby last time out and hit the target again on his full debut. The 33rd-minute winner was hardly a collector’s item, a scrambled close-range finish from a corner, but Hull were good value for three points in a match they largely dominated. The promotion-chasers came out aggressively, with Gedo’s compatriot Ahmed Elmohamady the favoured outlet on the right wing. He got to the byline in the third minute before cutting the ball across the six-yard box, where Michael Morrison got just enough on it to deflect it away from danger. Hull were inches away from the opener after seven minutes, Paul McShane’s cross finding David Meyler whose header was cleared off the line by Dale Stephens with keeper Ben Hamer beaten. Charlton began to settle and in the 20th minute Johnnie Jackson made a strong run towards the final third only to see his cross intercepted by Robbie Brady. Alex Bruce’s weak header allowed Stephens room to attack Hull through the middle but he was stopped dead by Meyler. Jackson’s left foot was looking Charlton’s best weapon, with a back-post cross and a teasing free-kick both causing awkward moments in the Hull box. But it was the hosts who took the lead in the 33rd minute after Gedo’s perseverance won a corner from the right. Brady delivered it, Hamer missed his punch and Gedo was on hand to bundle home from close range at the back post. Only a fine defensive header from Leon Cort prevented Hull making it two on the stroke of half-time, Brady and Stephen Quinn making space on the left before the ball made its way to Meyler at the edge of the box. The Irishman hit a fierce shot towards the centre of goal but Cort, against his former club, bravely got his head in the way. Just a minute had passed in the second half when Hull went close again. A Brady corner was again the cause but McShane produced an air-kick with the goal gaping. Hull were on the hunt for a second, Elmohamady giving Cedric Evina grief on the right and then drawing an unconvincing flap from Hamer. The home side’s Egyptian contingent grew to three when Ahmed Fathi replaced the injured McShane. But Hull’s rhythm was unaffected, Meyler stinging Hamer’s gloves with a half-volley and Gedo heading Elmohamady’s precision cross over. Charlton hit back on the counter in the 62nd minute, Chris Solly and Yann Kermorgant creating a shooting chance for Bradley Pritchard whose shot was low and wide. Pritchard’s chipped pass then handed Danny Haynes a chance from 12 yards but his first-time shot was straight at David Stockdale. Gedo missed out on a second when he ran the ball out attempting to round Hamer following Robert Koren’s weighted pass. Charlton almost stole an equaliser with five minutes left, Bradley Wright-Phillips teeing up fellow substitute Haynes for a near-post effort that was well kept out by Stockdale.

Cardiff City 2-1 Bristol City

Fraizer Campbell scored on his home debut as leaders Cardiff beat Bristol City to boost their promotion hopes. The striker broke through just before half-time to clip a rising shot into the top corner. Ex-Bluebirds goalkeeper Tom Heaton produced a string of impressive saves but Campbell struck again, controlling a long throw before shooting home. Late confusion in the home penalty area saw Ben Nugent put the ball into his own net but the hosts held on. Victory kept Cardiff eight points clear at the top of the table. Bristol City had won three of their last four games under new manager Sean O'Driscoll but remain in relegation danger, three points from safety and facing another tough trip to promotion-chasing Crystal Palace on Tuesday. The Robins were indebted to Heaton during a first half dominated by Cardiff, as the goalkeeper formed a sturdy last line of defence against his former employers. Craig Noone was the first to test Heaton, outpacing Brendan Moloney before seeing his shot pushed away. Craig Bellamy was the next to threaten as the Wales striker unleashed a 35-yard free-kick that needed a touch from the flying Heaton to help over the crossbar. Campbell, a £650,000 January capture from Sunderland, was also looking lively but Heaton again had to come to the Robins' rescue with a plunging stop. The keeper could only palm the ball out into the path of Nugent, but the young defender shot the bouncing rebound over the bar. Yet with the first half entering time added on, Heaton and the Robins' resistance was finally broken. Campbell combined incisively with Tommy Smith before unleashing a shot off the outside of his right boot that went into the far left corner of the net. Cardiff had a strong claim for a penalty waved away by the referee soon after the restart, when Campbell seemed to be tugged back by Liam Fontaine. Bristol City's goal threat had been sporadic but Liam Kelly nearly gave the relegation-threatened Robins a lifeline. Kelly spotted David Marshall too far off his line and produced a 30-yard lob that had the Scotland stopper back-peddling furiously, before watching the ball sail just over the bar. But Cardiff then doubled their lead when Campbell drifted off his markers to collect a long throw from Aron Gunnarsson, showing great control to bring the ball down and clip it past Heaton. That was Campbell's third goal in three games for his new club, suggesting the 25-year-old's capture is the final piece that will see Malky Mackay's side seal promotion to the Premier League. To their credit, Bristol City refused to let their heads drop and Marshall needed to make a smart save to prevent Steve Davies from finding the back of the net. Campbell was replaced by Heidar Helguson with 18 minutes remaining and left the pitch to a rousing ovation from the majority of the 25,586 fans. A late goal-mouth scramble at the Cardiff end saw the confusion end with Nugent nodding past his own keeper, but Cardiff rode out that last-minute nervousness to stretch their unbeaten league run to nine games.

Crystal Palace 4-1 Middlesbrough

Glenn Murray took his goals tally to 27 for the season with a brace as Crystal Palace maintained their promotion push by brushing aside Middlesbrough, whose midweek win over Leeds proved to be a false dawn. The former Brighton forward opened the scoring early on, but missed two more chances to complete a first-half hat-trick as Palace struggled to make their dominance count. However, just after the interval, Murray set up Peter Ramage to double his side’s advantage before the in-form striker’s spectacular drive and Kevin Phillips’ effort ensured Palace extended their unbeaten league run at Selhurst Park to 15 matches. Faris Haroun netted a late consolation when Boro were three down and the visitors are clinging on to the final npower Championship play-off place after a fifth consecutive away league defeat. Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray said: “We didn’t get started. “If we are looking for reasons, the amount we put in against Leeds in such a physical game (1-0 win on Tuesday) appears to have taken it out of some. “That appears to be the case. But there are no excuses. Individual errors cost us for the goals. “We knew they had talented forward players going forward. But my players are sitting there disappointed. “We lost four goals at Ipswich a few weeks ago. We can’t keep doing that. “We are still in the top six and our ambitions are to remain there. “We are capable of winning matches. We have to get back to our old form, but at the moment that seems a long way away. “Three of our back four are out at the moment, but we have to get on with it. Justin Hoyte, Jonathan Woodgate and Seb Hines are injured and we have to take it on the chin.”

Derby 0-0 Wolves

Dean Saunders' winless start to his managerial reign at Wolves was extended to six games in an uneventful goalless draw against Derby at Pride Park. The spectre of relegation continues to loom over Wanderers but they were a match for Saunders' former club, who still have an outside shot of making the play-offs. Reading loanee Kaspars Gorkss was handed his Wolves debut and looks set to be a useful addition to the squad, but Bakary Sako was undoubtedly the visitors' most potent threat. The hosts' line-up had more than a hint of youthfulness about it, with none of the starting XI over the age of 26. It was Wolves who looked the more sprightly in the early stages. Jamie O'Hara's strike was tipped away by Adam Legzdins and Sako's inswinging corner moments later found Danny Batth but his header drifted wide. Karl Henry's foul on Craig Bryson handed Derby a free-kick in a promising position, but Jamie Ward, who had scored in each of his previous three appearances, could only direct his shot into the hands of Carl Ikeme. There was time before the break for O'Hara to hit a well controlled shot just wide from 20 yards. It was around the hour mark when Wanderers threatened next, Sako's drilled effort forcing a strong save from Legzdins. At the other end, Paul Coutts' half-cleared corner was fired back with interest by Will Hughes but his strike cleared the crossbar. Ward appeared to shove Henry inside the penalty area in the final minute but referee Graham Salisbury was unmoved by the visitors' protests. Ward very nearly rubbed salt in the wound but his free-kick deep into stoppage time was kept out by Ikeme.

Paul Ince set for Blackpool job

Paul Ince looks set to be announced as the new Blackpool manager before the weekend after extensive meetings with chairman Karl Oyston Oyston is on the verge of announcing Ince as the new manager, bringing an end to the club's lengthy search for a successor to Michael Appleton, who became Blackburn manager five weeks ago. The hunt for a new manager has been extensive, with over 20 candidates being considered, but Ince appears the man to fill the hotseat at Bloomfield Road. The former England international spent six months with Championship rivals Blackburn in 2008, but the 45-year-old has been without a job since April 2011, when he parted company with Notts County. With son Tom at the club, Ince Snr has been attending a lot of Blackpool games this season, and would come into the role having already developed an opinion on how to improve the side. It is also understood that the former Liverpool and Manchester United star has agreed to keep current caretaker manager Steve Thompson at the club as his assistant manager. The Tangerines are currently 14th in the table, 10 points behind sixth-placed Middlesbrough and will be keen to maintain their bid for a play-off place.

Mark Robins set for Huddersfield job

Mark Robins is expected to be named as Huddersfield Town boss today, taking charge of his first game against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fifth round tie on Sunday.The former Manchester United striker was given permission by League One Coventry City to talk to the Championship strugglers Huddersfield.The Terriers have been without a manager since Simon Grayson was sacked at the end of January, following a run of 12 matches without a win.Since Grayson's departure, Mark Lillis has been in caretaker charge, guiding the side to a win and a draw in the league, and into the fifth round of the FA Cup. Robins has only been at Coventry since September 9, but in that time has led them out of the League One relegation zone and into play-off contention. The Sky Blues rejected an initial approach from the Terriers, but the former Rotherham and Barnsley boss made it clear he was interested in talking to the Championship side. Robins has been in demand, and it was believed that Doncaster Rovers and Blackpool were keen on appointing him as their manager, with Coventry stating that "more than one club" had shown an interest in the 43-year-old. Talks are believed to be taking place immediately but Sky Blues chief executive Tim Fisher is hopeful of keeping Robins. Fisher said: "We are just hoping that when he weighs up his options and opportunities, he will see the great progress to date and the support he has from fans and management alike, coupled with the potential in Coventry, and decide to stay."

Brighton 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

A second half Vicente penalty helped Brighton secure a point at home to Blackburn in the Championship. Rovers took the lead with a powerful header from Scott Dann in a first half otherwise dominated by Brighton. Martin Olsson was adjudged to have handled a Vicente cross after the break, giving the Brighton winger the chance to equalise from the spot. Neither side could seal three points, with Kazenga LuaLua the closest to getting the winner. It was the second 1-1 draw between the two sides within three weeks, and the result, together with Middlesbrough's win over Leeds, leaves Brighton and Blackburn further adrift of the play-off places. The two sides exchanged chances in an exciting opening spell, with Dean Hammond and Leonardo Ulloa going close for Brighton within the first 60 seconds. Vicente and Will Buckley could also have given Brighton the lead, while the visitors saw both DJ Campbell and Bruno Saltor shoot narrowly wide, all before 12 minutes were on the clock. The hosts continued to dominate until, against the run of play, Dann rose to head home a Danny Murphy corner to give Blackburn the lead. Brighton still had the upper hand, and Dean Hammond had two chances in quick succession in stoppage time, forcing Jake Kean into a fine block before heading straight at the Blackburn keeper. The home side drew level 12 minutes into the second half when the assistant referee flagged for a penalty for handball against Olsson. Following protests from Blackburn, Vicente stepped up to drill the ball straight down the middle. Chances were few and far between following the equaliser, with LuaLua wasting the best chance for the home side deep into stoppage time.

Hull 2-1 Derby

Ahmed Elmohamady's late header snatched three points to send Hull second in the Championship and deny stubborn Derby. After a poor first-half display, Hull took the lead shortly after the break when substitute Gedo headed home with just his second touch of the ball. Jamie Ward punished goalkeeper David Stockdale's mistake to put the visitors level with six minutes remaining. But Elmohamady fired in from a corner before Derby's Gareth Roberts was sent off for a lunge on Nick Proschwitz. It was a miserable end to an evening that began promisingly for a Derby side that enjoyed the better of the early exchanges. They could not make their pressure count through as Conor Sammon poked wide and a last-ditch tackle by Jack Hobbs barred Ward's way to goal. City sparked into life as the half ended with Stephen Quinn's near-post header skimming just wide of Adam Legzdins' right-hand post. Egypt international Gedo's header was more precise as he nodded Robbie Brady's delivery back across the Derby goalkeeper for the opener. The Egyptian came close to a second with a volley just over, but Derby pressed forward and Sammon thumped the underside of the bar before almost inadvertently turning in Ward's effort. Ward's industry was rewarded when Stockdale spilled Craig Bryson's cross to gift him a simple tap-in. But Derby were again undone in the air as Elmohamady converted from another Brady delivery before Roberts was dismissed and Proschwitz picked himself up to miss a fine chance to make the game safe.

Middlesbrough 1-0 Leeds

Neil Warnock faced calls for his head as Curtis Main claimed a dramatic late winner. Middlesbrough stole the points as Main sent a looping header past Paddy Kenny from Ishmael Miller’s raking cross eight minutes from time to end a five-game winless run. It left Leeds further off the play-off pace after an undeserved defeat – as 2,000 travelling fans left the Elland Road boss in little doubt as to their feelings by chanting ‘Warnock, time to go’. In a dramatic finale, there was still time for Main to earn a second yellow card for time wasting, as sub Habib Habibou forced a stunning last-minute save from Jason Steele to give Boro a vital three points. Warnock’s men must now pick themselves up for Sunday’s FA Cup trip to Man City. Jonathan Woodgate kept Boro on level terms before the break with a cool goal-line clearance to deny Ross McCormack after keeper Jason Steele slipped in his attempt to clear a dangerous throughball. The first 45 mintues was dominated by Warnock’s men and David Norris twice went close. Luke Varney’s shot from 20 yards then had Steele scrambling to his left to cover, as Boro were left to rue an early miss from Rhys Williams. It took Boro 45 minutes to muster a serious threat on goal but Paddy Kenny ensured Leeds were not caught out in first-half stoppage time. Faris Haroun burst through on goal after some great work from Chelsea loan star Josh McEachran but Kenny was out at the striker’s feet in a flash to block. Chances dried up after the break but Leadbitter floated a free-kick inches wide after Williams was upended on the edge of the box as Boro took control in the last 20 minutes. It almost led to a winner - but Leeds escaped. Morison should have won it for Leeds with 14 minutes left but headed straight at keeper Steele.

Huddersfield Town 0 Cardiff City 0

Cardiff dropped points for only the second time in eight npower Championship games as managerless Huddersfield battled for a deserved and hard-fought point in a goalless draw at the John Smith's Stadium. Leaders Cardiff began the day 10 points clear at the top of the table and after their shock home defeat to Peterborough in mid-December had won six and drawn one of their subsequent seven matches. But Huddersfield, for whom joint caretaker managers Mark Lillis and Steve Eyre were taking charge of their fourth game following the sacking of Simon Grayson, were in no mood to be rolled over. They were worthy of their point despite riding their luck when Cardiff defender Matthew Connolly hit the post in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Joel Lynch made his first start since New Year's Day in central defence for Huddersfield and striker Sean Scannell was recalled, while Kevin McNaughton replaced Ben Turner at right-back for Cardiff. Neither side produced a shot on goal in a cagey opening quarter of an hour before Huddersfield striker James Vaughan headed wide from six yards. Cardiff defender Mark Hudson was off target with a header from similar distance at the other end and home midfielder Oliver Norwood fired a 25-yard free-kick over the crossbar. Huddersfield took the game to the leaders and had a goal disallowed midway through the first half when Vaughan hooked the ball home from a corner only for referee Mark Brown to rule Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall had been fouled. The visitors enjoyed their best spell as half-time approached and Huddersfield goalkeeper Alex Smithies, captain for the day in the absence of Peter Clarke, was forced into a full-length save to turn away Craig Bellamy's 25-yard free-kick. Cardiff almost snatched the lead in time added on at the end of the first half when centre-half Matthew Connolly crashed a shot from the right edge of the penalty area against the post. The Welshmen were then dealt an injury blow as McNaughton required medical treatment after a heavy challenge and he was replaced during the interval by Ben Nugent. Cardiff began to get on top early in the second period and Bellamy fired an angled left-footed shot just wide in the 60th minute. Smithies then fumbled an effort from Craig Conway and Nugent headed the subsequent corner the wrong side of the post as Huddersfield were forced on to the back foot. The home side failed to threaten Marshall in Cardiff's goal, but continued to harry their opponents, who also found clear-cut chances hard to come by. Bellamy smashed a free-kick from the edge of the area into the wall with three minutes remaining to end a frustrating afternoon for the Welshmen, while Huddersfield were given a standing ovation by most in a crowd of 15,265 after an entertaining stalemate.

Bolton 2-1 Burnley

Craig Davies and David Ngog came off the bench to turn a Lancashire derby on its head and hand Bolton three much-needed points in a 2-1 success against Burnley. Following a goalless first-half of few chances, Burnley looked set to claim local bragging rights from the second time this season following David Edgar's close-range finish in the 55th minute. It prompted Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman to introduce strike pairing Davies and Ngog, initially to howls of derision from the Reebok Stadium faithful who were unhappy to see Marvin Sordell and lively winger Steve De Ridder withdrawn. But the switch proved to be inspired as Davies headed his first goal since joining from Barnsley last month before Ngog sealed the Trotters' maiden league triumph of 2013 nine minutes from time. Freedman's men climb to 16th in the npower Championship table, although they remain three points above the relegation zone, while Burnley slip behind bitter rivals Blackburn into eighth, four points shy of the play-offs. The Clarets made an enterprising start and Bolton had Darren Pratley to thank for keeping the game goalless in the 17th minute. Ross Wallace - fresh from signing a contract extension at Burnley this week - collected Dean Marney's return backheel from a cleverly-worked short corner to drive across the face of goal, but Wales international Pratley hacked clear. Craig Dawson had the two best chances of the half on his Bolton debut. He headed Jay Spearing's outswinging corner narrowly wide at the back post before from another set-piece saw the on-loan defender force the half's only meaningful save from Lee Grant. Given the predominant method of creating chances in the match, it was somewhat inevitable when Burnley went ahead from a 55th minute corner. Wallace hung up a cross to the back post where McCann towered above the Bolton defence to nod back across goal and leave Edgar with a simple nodded finish. Then came Freedman's ill-received changes that would send a sceptical Reebok crowd into raptures. In the 66th minute, Lee Chung-Yong engineered room to swing a ball in from the left and Davies glanced beyond Grant via the underside of the crossbar. An from another corner Kevin Davies - another substitute - made a customary nuisance of himself, and Burnley were unable to fully clear. Spearing drove back towards goal where Ngog stole in front of Burnley full-back Danny Lafferty to turn the ball home.

Leeds owners reject takeover bid

Leeds United's owners GFH Capital have confirmed they have turned down a bid by an undisclosed party to buy a controlling stake in the club. It has been reported that a Yorkshire-based consortium made an offer for a 51 per cent share of the npower Championship side with a view to securing a phased buy-out. The identities of the consortium members have not been disclosed. "We are aware of growing speculation regarding new investment at Leeds United," GFH Capital said in a statement on Leeds' official website. "As can be expected with a club as fantastic as Leeds United, since our acquisition we have received several offers to invest in the club alongside us. "The most recent offer was for a majority stake and has not been accepted. "Although we continue to seek strategic investors, we will only bring on board those who we feel can make a positive contribution to the sustainable success of Leeds United." GFH Capital, a Dubai-based investment bank, completed their takeover of Leeds from Ken Bates in December. Former Hull chairman Adam Pearson indicated earlier this week that he would like to return to football and gave Leeds as an example of a club he would be interested in. Pearson, the current owner of rugby league side Hull FC, was the commercial director of Leeds for six years before he left the position in 2001. However, it is not known if he is part of the consortium involved in this latest offer.