There was a full Championship programme on Saturday afternoon with Darren Randolph and Middlesbrough securing a two one victory at Birmingham City for whom the occasionally Ireland referenced Lukas Jutkiewicz was in his customary striking role. Alan Judge has spent much of his time on the Brentford bench this season but was missing this afternoon amid speculation that he may be on his way to Ipswich Town while his current side defeated visitors Stoke City and late substitute James McClean by three goals to one at Griffin Park. The in-form Callum O’Dowda was in action for Bristol City who came from behind to defeat visitors Bolton Wanderers by two goals to one at Ashton Gate while Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood suffered bitter disappointment as his side crashed to a three nil defeat at Hull City. The Sheffield United quartet of John Egan, Jack O’Connell, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick , who were all rested from the shock weekend defeat by non-league Barnet in the FA Cup, returned to the starting eleven for the one nil defeat of visitors QPR with McGoldrick scoring the winning goal. Ryan Manning remained unused on the visiting bench. Anthony Pilkington made his debut for Wigan Athletic, whom he joined on Wednesday from Cardiff City on a free transfer, when they defeated visitors Aston Villa by three goals to nil at the DW Stadium. Conor Hourihane started and Glenn Whelan was a late substitute for Villa but Scott Hogan was unused on the bench. Alan Browne started and Sean Maguire was a late substitute for Preston North End in their one all draw with Deepdale visitors Swansea City. The late kick-off at the New Den between Millwall and Blackburn Rovers ended in a two nil victory for the visitors for whom Darragh Lenihan was named ‘Man of the Match’. Aiden O’Brien started and Shaun Williams was a very late substitute for the hosts.
League One leaders Portsmouth had player of the month nominee Ronan Curtis in their starting eleven for their surprise one nil defeat by Fratton Park visitors Blackpool.