The Championship continued it’s lengthy journey on Saturday afternoon with Blackburn Rovers, who included Darragh Lenihan in their starting eleven with Derrick Williams a half-time substitute, going down to a one nil defeat by visitors Norwich City at Ewood Park while Brentford, with Alan Judge an eightieth minute substitute, defeating visitors Bolton Wanderers by one goal to nil at Griffin Park. Derby County included Richard Keogh in defence as they were held to a one all draw by visitors Bristol City at Pride Park where Callum O’Dowda was in action for the visitors. The Sheffield United quartet of John Egan, Jack O’Connell, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick all started the one all draw with Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Middlesbrough and Darren Randolph recovered from their shock League Cup defeat on Tuesday night with a one nil victory over Reading at the Madejski Stadium. Rotherham United include Richie Towell, Anthony Forde and Ryan Manning in their starting eleven as they crashed to a four nil defeat by visitors West Bromwich Albion while Preston North End introduced Alan Browne and Graham Burke from the bench in the second half of their one nil defeat by struggling Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough where Keiren Westwood was restored to action after a lengthy absence. Stoke City included James McClean in their side for their one nil victory over visitors Millwall for whom Aiden O’Brien was a seventy first minute substitute at the bet365 Stadium.
League One leaders Portsmouth defeated visitors Sunderland by three goals to one at Fratton Park with Ronan Curtis scoring the second goal on fifty three minutes.