Reading sealed promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history with a 1-1 draw at Leicester. The Value Hunters will have backed Reading on 10/11, but the Foxes took the lead through Iain Hume seven minutes before half time. However, Kevin Doyle’s equalizer five minutes from time earned the Royals an 11/5 draw and a ticket to the top flight.
Sheffield United ended their five game winless run and were surprisingly the only team in the Championship top 16 to win a game by beating Southampton 3–0. Phil Jagielka and Paul Ifill scored in the last two minutes of the first half to reignite the automatic promotion hopes of 4/6 Blades and Neil Shipperley added a third on 77.
Watford’s own automatic promotion hopes were dashed by relegation-haunted Millwall, who posted an impressive 2–0 win at Vicarage Road. Carl Asaba at 66 and stoppage time from Ben May gave the Lions an improbable 11/2 away win.
Leeds lost further ground in their quest for a runners-up place when they drew 0-0 with Stoke. Leeds were 8/15 lighthearted before kick-off, but poor finishing from both sides meant the game ended level at odds of 11/4.
Fifth-placed Crystal Palace took the lead thanks to Clinton Morrison after 18 minutes, but Iñigo Idiakez equalized for the Derby 10 minutes later. The Spaniard missed an injury time penalty but hammered in on the rebound to earn a 7/5 home win.
Preston North End held on to their place in the play-offs despite being subject to their tenths who benefited at odds of 12/5. The match between Cardiff and QPR also ended goalless with Camerone Jerome and Marc Nygaard each missing a great chance.
The play-off chasing Wolves took a hit from Sheffield Wednesday, who are struggling to survive in this division. Marcus Tudgay gave the 5/1 Owls the lead just before half time, but Wolves equalized through Carl Cort. Deon Burton put the visitors ahead again at minute 67 and Tudgay fired his second with four minutes remaining.
Burnley ended their run of six consecutive Championship defeats to nearly end Norwich’s slim play-off hopes. Andy Gray gave the 15/8 Clarets the lead after 18 minutes, while Michael Branch wrapped up the game six minutes into the second half.
Draws abounded as Ipswich Town took on Hull City at Portman Road, while relegation-threatened Brighton & Hove Albion played host to Luton Town.
Rock bottom Crewe Alexandra won their first game in four when they demolished Coventry City in form 4-1 at Gresty Road.