The Championship marathon took another step on it’s arduous journey to the Premier riches this Saturday afternoon. Stuttering Aston Villa, with Conor Hourihane in their starting eleven, were held to a two all, draw by visitors Hull City at Villa Park while Blackburn Rovers had Darragh Lenihan in their starting eleven for their two nil victory over visiting basement side Ipswich Town who included new signings Alan Judge and Will Keane in their starting eleven. Derby County captain Richard Keogh continued in defence for the two one defeat of visitors Reading for whom long time injury absentee Paul McShane has returned to training. Darren Randolph and his Middlesbrough colleagues were held to a one all draw by visitors Millwall for whom Shaun Williams started and Aiden O’Brien was a very late substitute at the Riverside Stadium. Callum O’Dowda was again prominent for Bristol City who scored the only goal at the City Ground to defeat their hosts Nottingham Forest and hand new manager Martin O’Neill and his coaching assistants Steve Guppy and Seamus McDonagh a disappointing start to their tenure. Ryan Manning remained on the QPR bench as they suffered a four one Loftus Road defeat by visitors Preston North End who included Alan Browne, who scored, and Sean Maguire in their starting eleven. Keiren Westwood recovered from injury and started for Sheffield Wednesday who overcame visitors Wigan Athletic and their new signing Anthony Pilkington with the only goal at Hillsborough. James McClean was a second half substitute for stuttering Stoke City who shocked current leaders Leeds United with a two one success at the Bet365 Stadium. The Sheffield United quartet of John Egan, Jack O’Connell, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick all started the late kick-off at Swansea City but were disappointed with a one nil defeat.
League One leaders Portsmouth included Ronan Curtis in their starting eleven for their two one Kassam Stadium defeat by hosts Oxford United, while Josh Cullen started for Charlton Athletic who defeated their visitors Accrington Stanley with the only goal at the Valley.