West Brom reclaim top spot

WEST BROM returned to the Coca-Cola Championship summit on goal difference, courtesy of a 1-1 draw at Cardiff.

Cardiff took the lead in the eighth minute when Jonas Olsson fouled Jay Bothroyd and Peter Whittingham netted from the spot.

West Brom’s Andwele Slory hit a post in the 24th minute before Gianni Zuiverloon restored parity on the stroke of half-time, and the point was secured when Cardiff’s Chris Burke missed a late chance.

Robert Earnshaw’s 150th career league goal earned third-placed Nottingham Forest a 1-0 win over Sheffield United at the City Ground, where the Blades had striker Darius Henderson sent off following an off-the-ball incident.

Bottom club Peterborough came from behind to beat Ipswich 3-1. Republic of Ireland striker Daryl Murphy headed his third goal in as many matches for Ipswich from Grant Leadbitter’s cross but Liam Dickinson equalised from long range shortly after half-time.

Dickinson was involved again as Lee Frecklington started and finished an excellent move to put Posh in front and Frecklington’s corner was then headed in by Craig Morgan.

Rob Hulse scored twice as a second-half blitz saw Derby beat Preston 5-3. Jon Parkin put North End ahead but a Billy Jones own goal and Kris Commons’ strike put Derby 2-1 up.

Preston levelled through Chris Sedgwick only for Hulse to immediately volley Derby back into the lead. Shaun Barker headed their fourth and Hulse made it five, rendering Chris Brown’s late goal irrelevant.