Reading came close to Sunderland’s championship points record of 105 by defeating Cardiff 5–2 at Ninian Park. James Harper after 10 minutes and Dave Kitson in the 39th gave the Royals a deserved halftime lead before a Glenn Loovens own goal in the 52nd further increased their lead. The Bluebirds hit back through Cameron Jerome on 67 and Paul Parry on 80, but Reading had two more on Kevin Doyle on 87 and James Harper’s second in stoppage time to seal a sure 6/4 win.
Sheffield United got a late winner against Hull to almost seal automatic promotion. Neil Shipperley after 36 minutes and Paul Ifill on the 52nd gave the 1/2 Blades the lead before Hull answered through Stuart Elliott on the 65th and Daryl Duffy five minutes later. Veteran defender David Unsworth scored the decisive goal of the death.
Watford could only manage a 1-1 draw with Luton, giving Sheffield United the lead. Marlon King scored his 20th goal of the season to give the Hornets the lead after 36 minutes, but Ahmet Brkovic equalized at 73 for a 12/5 tie.
Leeds are also unlikely to catch the Blades after a goalless draw with Plymouth. Without a win in six matches, astute punters will have taken the draw at generous odds of 13/5.
Preston moved up a place to fifth and are all but assured of a play-off place after Norwich scored two own goals at Deepdale. Jason Shackell after 20 minutes and Gary Doherty on 38 did the hard work for 5/6 North End before half time.
Despite losing 2-0 at Leicester on Friday night, Crystal Palace also look poised for a play-off place. Loan Andy Welsh broke the tie three minutes before half time and Stephen Hughes at 87 sealed a 9/5 home win.
Wolves squandered a two goal lead against Coventry. Veteran Paul Ince broke the time limit at two minutes, while Colin Cameron added a second 20 minutes later. Stern John gave the Sky Blues hope after 25 minutes and Gary McSheffrey equalized on the hour for a 9/4 draw. Wolves are 10 points clear in seventh place from both Crystal Palace and Preston.
Crewe dragged Sheffield Wednesday back into the relegation dogfight and have a mathematical chance of survival after a 2-0 win at Gresty Road. Gareth Taylor’s double strike at 31 and 45 completed the first step of the great breakout at 11/8.
Southampton effectively secured their survival in the division, but sent their opponents Brighton to the bottom of the table with a 2–0 win at Withdean Stadium. Ricardo Fuller scored first after 37 minutes and Richard Chaplow sealed a 7/4 away win.
Derby also took a step closer to safety but pushed Millwall deeper into the relegation mire with a 1-0 win at Pride Park. Tommy Smith scored his sixth goal of the season to give the Rams three points on 10/11.