Showing posts with label Derby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Derby. Show all posts

Championship 30 Apr - Preview of the round, betting tips and previews



Nottingham Forest - Scunthorpe
The most interesting will be the fight for the last play-off space. Forest have clear calculation. They’ll get it with six points from games against, all but predictable, Scunny at home and Palace on the road that could be a real last day cracker. The main problem is defence line that conceded 17 goals on last 7 games. Scunny could be able score and push this game in over. But also, a sensation is not a strange word for the visitors. They defeated Forest at home, where also trashed the leaders QPR (4-1). On the road shocked Hull and Reading. It’s an easy choice to leave this game alone.

Leeds - Burnley (1:45 cet)
Leeds need to win both times (in last round they’ll visit QPR who btw. could face a penalty and points deduction at Tuesday) and to hope Forest (and Millwall of course) will slip somewhere. After they wasted many points in last five rounds it’s not so big chance, but Leeds are the kings of drama and since the end of golden era in 90s just very few times they haven’t presented a stressful finish to their fans. Burnley noticed only a draw at home vs. Pompey, it could affect their morale but they’re still one point above Leeds. Draw is unacceptable for both sides and whoever will take a lead, will also try to improve goal difference for the final ranking. I could give some advantage to Leeds, but my main choice will be goals.

Millwall - Swansea
There will be hell, the Lions are in the race again and packed Den will host Swans. They won six of last nine games and big boost is a return of their key man and top scorer, Steve Morison, after he served a three match suspension. Swansea have secured their play-off spot where they will probably face Reading. Reasons for a good effort are 4th place (playing re-match at home) and improving recent away record (a draw and four defeats out of last five) and self-confidence before decisive matches. It will be hard, since Swans have a discouraging record on the road against top side teams, losing seven out of nine. Another thing is very interesting. In the previous game, Brendan Rodgers left on the bench probably his best player - Scott Sinclair. He said that young player has never played the full season, looks very tired and he’ll try to manage it. If you’re afraid for the best player, the Den is definitely not a place for him. So, maybe he will just save him for play-off.

Derby - Bristol City
Derby are safe, but looked in a very good shape, putting some more than decent displays recently. Defeated Leeds at home, grabbed a point at Loftus Road and undeservedly lost at Norwich in 96th minute. A win in the last home game could be a satisfaction. This will be also the last game for Robbie Savage and I can expect some additional effort from the players for their skipper. City are also safe, but look like they are already planning summer holidays as they’ve noticed four defeats and a draw out of last five. They will also miss the best striker, Nicky Maynard.

Hull City - Crystal Palace
Hull blew their play-off chances, Palace need a point to be mathematically safe. The hosts haven’t won in 15 of 22 home games, losing vs. bottom sides Scunny and Sheff Utd. Palace are a tough nut to crack on the road recently, taking two points from last two trips (Donny and Leicester). Four of last five games between these clubs ended undecided. This game has a draw written all over it. 

Bet 1: Leeds - Burnley, over 2.50, Odd: 1.80 Interwetten, Stake: 8/10
Bet 2: Millwall -0.25, Odd: 2.11 Canbet, Stake: 8/10
Bet 3: Derby to win, Odd: 2.30 William Hill, Stake: 7/10
Gamble: Hull - C.Palace, draw @ 3.75 bet365, Stake: 2/10
(Early bets, since the odds will probably drop tomorrow.)
*table taken from bet365.com
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Sheff Utd - Derby


The Blades find themselves in a deep mud at 23rd place which is, at least for me, completely unexpected. Micky Adams is their fourth manager this season(!) and they’re without a win in 12 games. United lost their midweek six pointer at Scunthorpe on a shocking way after they had 2-0 lead. Adams’ storming after the game is probably a (final) try to wake up the squad and Derby should be the best possible opportunity for three points. 

The Rams are facing the plenty of problems on and off the pitch and are in a free fall. They are winless in last eight games losing five of them and haven’t scored in last three. Defender Roberts and midfielder Bailey are in doubt, while striker Jammie Ward cannot play against his parent club. But real trouble is a place goalkeeper. Stephen Bywater is out, as well as his substitution Saul Deeney (shoulder), so young Frank Fielding will step in and face lots of pressure. Derby are winless in last four meetings with the Blades (both home and away), losing three of them.

After stayed empty handed at Scunny, this is definitely make or break for United. Another defeat would likely send them in League One. I think they’ll have enough to pass the visitors, but wouldn’t exclude the possibility of a draw and take -0.25 at very nice odd.

Bet: Sheff Utd
Odd: 2.00 Stan James
Stake: 7/10

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Derby - Leicester, 17:20cet


These are two teams in the opposite shapes. Derby have dropped from 4th in November to 17th place, winning just once of last eleven games (losing eight of them). Adding on that a shocking defeat at Crawley in FA Cup, selling Kris Commons to Celtic and the fact they’re without a win at home in five games, their confidence cannot be too high. It seems Nigel Clough will face the axe very soon.

I’m far from being a fan of SGE but since he became a manager at Walkers, Leicester moved up from 15th position to 8th and are in a play-off race. They’re undefeated in last six games (five wins) and have three victories in a row (scoring nine in those). They got a decent quality signing Yakubu and Soll Bamba (scored three goals as defender since the arrival).

The Foxes are not scoring on the road that much as at home, but I think they’ll be anyway too much for uninspired Rams and will continue a great run. 0-2 correct score.

Bet: Leicester -0.25
Odd: 1.88 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10


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Statistic update

After free fall in October and November, my primary target was to stop the losing streak and it has been accomplished so far. December is currently green, but I'd be satisfied with zero at the end of the year (wouldn't be delighted though). Season objective is a positive balance. It won't be easy with -50 units, but I'll be working hard as always.
Once again, thanks for visiting lads.
With a hope in better days,
Dule

Sheff Wed - Bristol Rovers 6-2 WON
Stoke - Blackpool 0-1 LOST
Bristol City - Derby 2-0 WON
Tranmere - Leyton 1-2 LOST
Tottenham - Chelsea 1-1 1/2 WON

Updated statistic and list of bets.

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Bristol City - Derby

Loud announcements about play-off and promotion turned into nightmare start for the Robins. Epilogue was Steve Coppell got fired before the end of the summer. Keith Millen is doing very good job as club moved away from the relegation zone. Just one defeat in last eight games (away at Leeds, 1-3). They won two last games at home and have scored in every of last nine games. Striker Stead and defender Ribeiro are back in contention, skipper Carey is out.
Derby are in serious down trend. They were flying high, but in my opinion it was just a matter of time when they’ll stop winning. They’re sitting on still high 7th place, but recorded three defeats in last four (fourth game was a win against Scunny). Striker Bueno will probably have some role in this game, but defenders Buxton and Addison are out.
Home side definitely has some unused potential and they're probably continue with climbing on the table. I predict a tough encounter, but see City as winners. 1-0 correct score.

Bet: B.City -0.25
Odd: 2.13 Canbet
Stake: 7/10


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Carling Cup 10-11.08.

Here’s some interesting infos about games tonight. It could help if you already have some opinion. Otherwise, could be confusing. Enjoy.

My pick(s) will follow.

 

Plymouth have gone out in the first round in 15 of the last 17 years, including the last two.

Aldershot have lost their last four first-round ties in this competition.

Barnsley have not won a competitive home game since 16 March (v Nottingham Forest).

Rochdale have only qualified for the second round once in their last eight attempts. They have lost last five away matches, scoring just one goal.

Bradford have lost at this stage in each of the last four years. They are chasing a fourth successive home win.

Forest are unbeaten in seven matches against the Bradford (W5, D2).

Since returning to the Football League, Carlisle have only been knocked out of the League Cup in the first round once (against Burnley in 2005).

Huddersfield have lost their last three League Cup ties away from home.

Chesterfield have only won one of their last seven first-round ties in this tournament.

Boro have won only one of their last nine away games.

Derby have lost their opening League Cup game in five of the last seven seasons.

Since returning to the Football League in 2003, Doncaster have only failed to progress beyond the first round once (losing to Notts County in 2008).

Accrington have never won a League Cup tie away from home. This is Accrington's fifth season in the League Cup. They are aiming to reach the second round for the third time. Nottingham Forest (2006) and Walsall (2009) are the only clubs Stanley have knocked out of the competition in their history.

It is five months since the MK Dons last recorded a home victory: 3-1 against Swindon in League One on 9 March.

Dagenham & Redbridge are seeking a first-ever League Cup victory.(3 defeats,so far)

Rotherham have fallen at the first-round hurdle only once in nine years. They knocked out Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves and Southampton in reaching the fourth round in the season before last, and Derby in the first round last season.

Charlton have not won or scored in this competition for three years.

Southampton have only ever been eliminated in the first round of the competition twice (1961 and 2007).

Bournemouth have lost in the first round four seasons in a row.

Stockport have been knocked out in the first round of the League Cup in five of the last six years.

Wycombe have not managed to win a single match in the League Cup since their club record run in 2006/07 when they made the last four. The Chairboys have lost three of their last four League Cup matches by 4-0 margins, including the last two.

Leeds United – Millwall

Bad blood between these two clubs made from their rivalry a real derby. Their games are followed with incidents, usually outside but sometimes even on the pitch. Previous season, Millwall made a first class surprise and knocked Leeds (hard favorite then) from a play-off. All those facts make from their games wars, when team quality stays in the shadow and win a team with bigger heart.

 

Leeds frozen in “war of the roses” Utd at Trafford and then started their downtrend. Lost first position and even put in doubt automatic promotion. Just two home wins in eight competitive games from then and Charlton have sneaked up to 4 points margin (Leeds have a game in hand). In last round they lost away to Saints 0-1, another failure would bring the problems and pressure. Defender Ben Parker is returning after injury, striker Tresor Kandol and winger Max Gradel as well.

 

Millwall are in a great run of results. They’ve lost just one game in 2010. of 14 competitive games (away to Wycombe, 0-1). That game and FA Cup encounter vs. Derby on the road (0-0) were the only two where Millwall didn’t score. They hold 5th place and it seems we’ll watch them again in play-off. Club legend, striker Neil Harris, is doubtful.  

 

I didn’t intend to get involved in this game, but odds on home win have been rising whole day and now are around even. I think it worth a shot. Home win.

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Not so good Saturday

Nottm Forest 2 - 1 Reading

Nottingham Forest extended their unbeaten league run to 18 matches and closed the gap on Championship leaders Newcastle with a victory over Reading.
Paul Anderson put the hosts 1-0 in front in the 11th minute before Robert Earnshaw struck in the 41st minute. 
Reading earned a penalty in an incident which saw Nicky Shorey sent off, but goalkeeper Lee Camp saved Brian Howard's 68th-minute spot-kick. 
Camp twice denied Simon Church before Jimmy Kibbe grabbed a late consolation.
The victory takes Forest to within two points of leaders Newcastle while Reading, fresh from their FA Cup giant-killing exploits against Liverpool in the week, plunge further towards the relegation zone following their sixth league game without a victory.

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies:
"We could have had four or five goals in the first half but only scored twice and that gave Reading the opportunity to come back at us. 
"It was a potential trapdoor for us playing against a side in a totally false position and they nearly made us pay in the second half. 
"If we had scored a third goal - as we should - it would have been a totally different type of game in the second half and it's a lesson for us to learn." 
Reading caretaker manager Brian McDermott:
"We were very disappointed with our first-half performance but we were much better in the second and I thought we should have got something from the game. 
"The Forest keeper was the man of the match and if we had scored 10 minutes earlier than we did, we would have got some reward. 
"But we nearly got something against a very strong and talented team who have a really good chance of going up this season."

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Peterborough 0 - 3 Derby

DJ Campbell scored two to punish nine-man Peterborough and ease the pressure on manager Nigel Clough as Derby earned a first victory in five league matches.
The hosts were never in it after Craig Morgan saw red for a lunge at Campbell, and Ryan Bennett was then sent off for a professional foul on the same player. 
Steve Davies scored from the resulting penalty and Derby took total control. 
Campbell made it 2-0 on the follow-up after his initial shot was saved and then headed home to round off the win. 
Victory takes the Rams up to 18th in the table, seven points clear of the drop zone, and leaves Posh holding up the pack five adrift of safety. 
And the result was never in doubt after Morgan's senseless tackle on Campbell rightly brought about his early bath.

Peterborough manager Mark Cooper:
"I'm loath to condemn either the referee or my players involved after only seeing the incidents once in the heat of the moment. 
"Those dismissals changed a game in which we were playing really well and creating the best chances. 
"Even when down to nine men our effort and commitment was absolutely first class." 
Derby manager Nigel Clough:
"Their player's feet were off the ground for the first red card and DJ (Campbell) was through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat for the second. 
"Obviously it was a big result for us. To go away and score three goals, collect three points and keep a clean sheet was very pleasing. 
"Although I don't think we played as well against nine men as we had against 11."

www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's epilogue

Bolton 3 - 3 Man City

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Carlos Tevez scored twice to salvage another draw for Manchester City in a thrilling game against Bolton.
Ivan Klasnic opened the scoring despite appearing to be offside before Tevez levelled with a deflected strike. 
Gary Cahill's curler put Bolton ahead before Micah Richards equalised - but Klasnic's swivelling shot made it 3-2. 
Craig Bellamy was controversially sent off after being booked for diving, but Tevez's long-range effort claimed a late draw in a memorable game. 
The result means City have now drawn their last four away matches and ensures questions remain as to whether Mark Hughes' side can produce the consistent form necessary to challenge for a top-four finish. 
Bolton, meanwhile, will feel frustrated that they failed to take all three points after an often-dominant display in which they took the lead on three occasions.
The hosts were much-improved from their loss at Wolves last week but that will come as little comfort to manager Gary Megson who is increasingly facing a relegation battle.

Bolton manager Gary Megson:
"We're delighted given how both football clubs are run. It's a decent result because of that but on the other side of the coin we took the lead three times.
"But in terms of what's been going on for us it's a great point. They've got quality all over the pitch and on the bench. Our lads played well and gave it everything. 
"Kevin Davies was right back to his best and I don't think we would have got that result without him. Zat Knight was excellent and so was Paul Robinson." 
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes:
"The first goal was clearly offside and how the hell the official couldn't see that was beyond me.
"I thought the officials were in general very poor. The decision to send Craig Bellamy off was quite honestly laughable. 
"My assistant has been in to ask and he thought Craig had tried to deceive him. I've known Craig for 15 years and I've never seen him dive. 
"If Mr Clattenburg feels he knows my players better than me then I would disagree."

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Watford 0 - 1 Derby

Substitute Chris Porter's second-half header earned Derby their first away win since April at Watford.
Lee Hendrie and Paul Connolly had Derby chances early on before Danny Graham went close for Watford following a poor clearance by Stephen Bywater. 
But the keeper made amends just before half-time, saving Heidar Helguson's shot through a crowded penalty area. 
Replacing DJ Campbell was a surprise move but it paid off when substitute Porter headed in Hendrie's free-kick. 
Watford manager Malky Mackay told BBC London 94.9:
"It was a disappointing afternoon for us. I think we need to make sure that we come here and do the basics. 
"There are going to be games were you go and break a team down and you have to do those basics properly, and Derby came here today and did that. 
"I think there is a patience needed at times, you've got to keep your decision making and your quality up." 
Derby manager Nigel Clough:
"It's been a long, long wait for it (a first away win) but for the three performances we've put in this week we've deserved to win at least one of those games. 
"We look solid, we restricted an extremely good attacking side to very few opportunities and then we looked relatively dangerous ourselves. 
"We just felt if we kept it at 0-0, put the ball in the right areas then on a very difficult surface we might just get some reward today."

www.bbc.co.uk

Watford - Derby County


Watford so far is the biggest surprise of the second tier. Considering players’ potential and financial problems they should be contenders for relegation. But their recent run of results and especially performances give the hope their shape could be continued. Hornets have four consecutive home wins and all of them were with two or three goals margin. Their pitch has been using for rugby games, along football and usually it’s very hard for visiting teams to adjust on it. Also, despite some defeats on the road Watford gave a decent resist in all of them. Midfielder Henri Lansbury, who missed Monday's win against QPR with a hip problem, faces a late fitness test, while skipper Jay DeMerit, who has had an eye injury, could be in the starting line-up for the first time since August.

Derby hold 17th place, four points far from relegation zone. Usually they collect points at their Pride Park, while on the road have noticed only three points from ten games! Away strategy is simple and includes defending with all players and trying to keep goalless draw. They haven’t scored in last five away games. Considering their recent shape and potential, I think they’re one of the clubs that will face a hard fight to stay in Championship. For today’s game also have some problems with injured players. Derby could be without Dean Leacock after the defender limped out of Tuesday's draw with Preston with a hamstring injury, while his fellow centre-back Shaun Barker is definitely out with a thigh problem.

My only worry is Watford already have made over-achievement and sooner or later will face a drop in the results. I think that will happen with first injury problems and think they’ll continue their good run. Pinnacle offer 1.95. Home win.

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Newcastle 2-0 Watford

Ten-man Newcastle extended their lead at the top of the Championship after a tough win over a spirited Watford team.
Newcastle went ahead in the 20th minute when Craig Cathcart's weak backpass allowed Marlon Harewood to set up Peter Lovenkrands for a simple opener. 
But the hosts lost Kevin Nolan when he was shown his second yellow card for a foul in the 49th minute. 
But as Watford pushed forward, Fabrice Pancrate sealed the win with a stunning left-footed strike in the 83rd minute. 
Although not one of their most convincing performances of the season, Chris Hughton's side managed to earn their sixth successive victory of the campaign.
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton:
"There will be bad times to come, I am sure, but we have shown a lot of resilience and that is the mark of any side which is doing well, that resilience resulting in clean sheets. 
"I am absolutely delighted with that. 
"What we do know is we are going to have good days and bad days, and what we have so far shown is a resilience to cope with the bad days and, at times, get something from them. 
"There are times when you can't speak highly enough of the group of lads you have, and that applies today. 
Watford boss Malky Mackay:
"Being clinical is maybe the difference. 
"Their guy gets a chance with a couple of minutes to go and puts the ball in the top corner. 
"But that's where we are at and that's the group we have got."

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Blackpool 1 - 2 Barnsley

Derby County 2 - 2 West Bromwich A.

Tuesday night

Cardiff 6 - 1 Derby

Four-goal Michael Chopra fired Cardiff back to form in a crushing victory.
Peter Whittingham got the first in an early sign that Derby's offside trap would be exposed, then he set up Chopra for his first strike since August. 
Rob Hulse gave the Rams hope straight after the break, before the division's top-scorer Chopra took over, first latching on to Chris Burke's back-heel. 
Stephen McPhail set up the hat-trick, a sweet chip, McPhail playing a part in Chris Burke's goal and Chopra's closer. 
The Bluebirds had previously lost five of their last six matches in all competitions, an awful run that had seen the early season Championship leaders slip to ninth spot in the league. 
But Derby provided the perfect opposition, having lost seven of their last nine away league games. 
McPhail made a huge impression on his return from suspension, replacing Wales midfielder Joe Ledley who was banned for the game.
Cardiff manager Dave Jones:
"Chopra's movement and finishing was top class and he showed us all what a good player he is. 
"We had a lot of the ball and used it well but results like that don't come very often and we have to enjoy it while we can.
Derby manager Nigel Clough:
"I am very disappointed at the way we let the goals in particularly after getting back into the game straight after half time.
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Fiorentina 2 - 0 Liverpool

Stevan Jovetic was Liverpool's tormentor as he scored twice in Fiorentina's surprise win over the Reds in their Champions League Group E tie.
The teenager pierced the visitors' offside trap and slotted past Pepe Reina to put his side deservedly ahead. 
He added a second when he diverted in a powerful Juan Vargas strike. 
Liverpool had chances to get back into the game but Lucas Leiva put a free header high and Fernando Torres skied a close-range volley. 
The Reds did not lose away from home in the Champions League last season but were undone by a poor first-half showing and an inspired Viola at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Liverpool had also found the net in their previous 21 Champions League matches and their failure to do so against the Serie A side saw them miss out on Bayern Munich's record scoring run of 22 games.
www.bbc.co.uk

How I tipped

Crystal Palace 1 - 0 Derby

A second-half strike from Darren Ambrose gave Crystal Palace their first home league win of the season.
Ambrose's decisive intervention came when he drove home a Sean Scannell header from the edge of the area. 
Johannes Ertl almost stretched Palace's lead when he shuddered the bar with a header, while Rob Hulse missed a chance to level for Derby from 12 yards out. 
Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni escaped with only a yellow card after handling outside the area early on.
Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock:
"All the talking (Clough on the penalty call) is trying to cover the cracks. Look at their bench. They've got a better side there than we have been able to put out. Let's complain about that.
Derby manager Nigel Clough:
"I thought we created the two best chances of the game and thought we had an absolute blatant penalty in the 92nd minute."
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Watford 3 - 3 Leicester
An injury-time equaliser from Leicester's Dany N'Guessan denied Watford their third straight victory in an enthralling match at Vicarage Road.
Two goals from Matty Fryatt - a 19th-minute penalty and a 30th-minute strike - put the visitors 2-0 up at half time. 
The Hornets responded through Danny Graham on 57 minutes before on-loan striker Heidar Helguson scored twice in 17 minutes to put them in front. 
But N'Guessan grabbed a late point when he headed home Martyn Waghorn's cross. 
Watford boss Malky Mackay:
"At half time I would have definitely taken the point, I was disappointed to be 2-0 down at half time.
Leicester boss Nigel Pearson:
"It's disappointing. It's two points dropped and the fashion in which we conceded the goals was very disappointing."
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Nottm Forest 0 - 1 Blackpool
Charlie Adam's fourth goal in five games brought Blackpool their first win in 45 years at the City Ground.
Tangerines' goalkeeper Paul Rachubka smothered a shot from Nathan Tyson before Adam topped a mazy run with a composed finish past Lee Camp. 
Tyson, David McGoldrick and Rob Earnshaw went close as the hosts attempted in vain to hit back. 
But Jason Euell could have doubled the lead for Ian Holloway's side as Camp diverted his well-struck shot. 
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies:
"I think we had 19 opportunities to score but we weren't clinical in front of goal."
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway: 
"I felt as though we've nicked something, put it in the bag and got out of here with a win."
www.bbc.co.uk

Championship round-up


Wolves opened up a five-point gap at the top of the Championship after beating Nottingham Forest. 
Michael Kightly's first goal since November was enough for the visitors to take a stranglehold on the title race with Birmingham being held to a draw at home to struggling Norwich. 
The Wolves goal came in the 76th minute as Sylvan Ebanks-Blake crossed from the right and the ball was laid back for Kightly to drill the ball home. 

Birmingham turned in another disappointing performance as they often looked second best to a Norwich side who started the day only a point off the drop zone. 
The Canaries were much the better team for most of the first half, and had the ball in the net in only the fourth minute, but Jason Shackell's effort was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. 
Norwich's failure to capitalise on their good spell came back to haunt them as Cameron Jerome scored with Birmingham's first shot on the goal in the 38th minute. 
The striker went up to challenge goalkeeper David Marshall and beat him to the ball for an easy finish, with Norwich's appeals for a free-kick in vain. 
However, the visitors were quickly back into the game after the break as Sammy Clingan scored with a fine free-kick that left Maik Taylor motionless on the line. 

Burnley kept up their play-off charge with a 2-1 win over Plymouth at Home Park. 
They took the lead in the 16th minute when Steven Caldwell got up to head home from Robbie Blake's cross but the visiting fans had their celebrations cut short as Plymouth responded almost immediately with Adam Judge firing home. 
It took until the 78th minute for the Clarets to get back in front as they Plymouth on the break with Blake running through to slot home, 

Preston remain on the outside of the play-off places looking in after being held to a goalless draw by rock-bottom Charlton at The Valley. 

And it was a similar story for Swansea, who remain five points off the play-offs after being held to a 0-0 draw by Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. 

That was enough however to keep them just above QPR, who beat Bristol City 2-1 thanks to Adel Taarabt's first goal in English football. 
Jordi Lopez gave Rangers the lead in the 65th minute with a superb free-kick that gave Adriano Basso no chance in the City goal. 
And although Michael McIndoe equalised for the visitors 12 minutes later, on-loan Spurs man met Damien Delaney's cross for the winner nine minutes from time. 

Down at the other end, Southampton earned a point from a 1-1 draw at Blackpool. 
The hosts took the lead early on when DJ Campbell earned and scored a penalty, being brought down by Jan Paul Saeijs before firing in the spot-kick. 
However, Southampton's hopes were revived by a superb solo effort from David McGoldrick in the 69th minute as he picked up the ball on the edge of the area and beat two men before firing home. 

An outstanding goal from David Bell gave Coventry a 1-0 win over Doncaster as the visitors got it all wrong at the back. 
The Sky Blues had looked the better of the two sides in the opening stages and with 20 minutes gone Neil Sullivan came rushing out of his goal to clear Keiren Westwood's goal-kick straight to Bell, who finished superbly from 45 yards. 

Derby and Barnsley played to a goalless draw, as did Ipswich and Watford. 
www.thesun.co.uk