The Championship continued in the New Year with promotion challengers Aston Villa crushing visitors Bristol City by five goals to nil in the late Villa Park kick-off this afternoon. Conor Hourihane and Scott Hogan both started and scored for the victors. Second place Derby County (Richard Keogh) were held to a one all draw by visitors Sheffield United (Enda Stevens, Samir Carruthers) while Preston North End (Daryl Horgan) went down to a three two home defeat by Middlesbrough (Darren Randolph, Cyrus Christie) at Deepdale. Sunderland (John O’Shea, Darron Gibson, Aiden McGeady) also went down to a one nil home defeat by Barnsley at the Stadium of Light.