The Championship on Saturday afternoon…02/03/2019

Two sides currently disappointing their followers, Aston Villa and Derby County, faced each other in the Championship at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon where the hosts scored four unanswered first half goals for victory. The hosts included Conor Hourihane, who scored twice, and Glenn Whelan in their starting eleven while Richard Keogh captained the visiting ‘Rams’. Alan Judge started for basement side Ipswich Town but a hamstring injury ruled out recent Ireland declaree Will Keane for the two one home defeat by Reading who had John O’Shea and Paul McShane on the substitute bench. Shaun Williams returned to the Millwall starting eleven and scored in their three one defeat by leaders Norwich City  at the new Den. Aiden O’Brien was introduced on seventy four minutes while Derby County loanee Alex Pearce remained on the substitute bench. Alan Browne and Sean Maguire were in the Preston North End side for the one all draw with visitors Bristol City for whom Callum O’Dowda was substituted after fifty three minutes. James McClean was fifty ninth minute substitute for Stoke City in their two nil victory over Nottingham Forest and Daryl Murphy.