Midweek saw another round of fixtures in the NPower Championship and it didn’t disappoint with shocks galore, last minute goals and plenty of comebacks. All these and more are covered in TheHardTackle’s Top 6 highlights of Round 9 of the Championship.
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Old boy condemns Brighton to first home defeat
As Brighton stormed to last year’s League One Championship, striker Glenn Murray was their star, netting 22 goals in 42 league appearances. In the summer, Murray opted to leave the Seagulls and sign for bitter rivals Crystal Palace on a free transfer. On Tuesday evening, Murray returned to his old club and scored, condemning Brighton to their first league defeat at their new Amex Stadium home.
In a clash of two bitter rivals, the man brought in to replace Murray at Brighton, Craig Mackail-Smith, netted after only 7 minutes to give the home side a dream start.
But, with the hosts failing to get a killer second, Palace’s confidence grew as they controlled the second half. When Wilfred Zaha levelled the game with 10 minutes left, the points looked as if they were about to be shared. But in an amazing climax to the game, Darren Ambrose put the visitors 2-1 up, before Murray had the final word when he made it 3-1 to show the home fans what they are missing.
Forest plunge to new low
After Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Watford, things finally looked to be on the up for Nottingham Forest and their under pressure manager Steve McClaren.
But, it only took 45 minutes for Burnley to quash the notion as they raced into a 4-0 lead at Turf Moor. Jay Rodriguez put the Clarets 2-0 up with two early goals, before Chris McCann and Ross Wallace made it four before half-time.
In amazing scenes, the Forest players spent half-time on the pitch, whilst McClaren sat alone in the visitors dug-out.
Things improved slightly as Ishmael Miller pulled a goal back just before the hour mark, but Burnley striker Charlie Austin’s 71st minute goal made it 5-1.
With Burnley also enduring a poor start to the campaign, the win eases some of the pressure on their boss Eddie Howe. For Forest, the manner of the latest defeat means it is difficult to see a way out for McClaren.
Leaders beaten but no one capitalises
Leaders Southampton travelled to South Wales to face Cardiff City and return empty-handed as the home side won 2-1.
Two goals early in the second half from Scotland international Kenny Miller put the Welsh side in front. Despite Steve De Ridder pulling a goal back in injury time, Cardiff held on to make it 6 games unbeaten and move to within 3 points of the Saints.
With Southampton failing to win their game left the chasing pack with a chance to go top. However, amazingly none of the next 5 placed teams won.
Middlesbrough played out a second successive 0-0 home draw, this time with Leicester City. Derby County had to come from behind against strugglers Barnsley to draw 1-1, whilst West Ham United’s inconsistent home form resulted in a 1-0 loss to Ipswich Town, with former Hammer Lee Bowyer netting a last minute winner.
As well as Brighton’s loss to Palace, Hull also failed to take 3 points as they drew at bottom club Doncaster Rovers.
Reading come from two down to win
Trailing 2-0 at Bristol City, Reading looked to be heading for their fifth defeat in eight games. But a remarkable late comeback saw the Royals hit three goals in 18 minutes to win the points.
Albert Adomoah and Brett Pitman put the hosts on course for their first home win. But, the Robins fans’ nerves were tested when Reading captain Jobi McAnuff pulled a goal back after 72 minutes. Three minutes later is was all-square when Adam Le Fondre tapped home a rebound.
The comeback was completed 4 minutes into injury time when French striker Mathieu Manset beat David James to give Reading the 3 points.
From Hero to Villain
On Saturday, a last-minute goal from Norwegian striker Erik Huseklepp was enough to give Portsmouth victory over Blackpool.
On Tuesday evening, another last minute Huseklepp goal, but this time in his own net, was enough to give visitors Peterborough United all three points.
In a topsy-turvy game, Lee Frecklington gave Posh the lead after only 4 minutes. The home side drew level through a Gabriel Zukani own goal four minutes later, only for Frecklington to score again after 21 minutes.
Benjani equalised 10 minutes after the break and the game looked to be heading for a draw, until Huseklepp attempted clearance rolled into the Portsmouth net to give Darren Ferguson’s side the victory.
More late, late goals
In addition to the last minute goals for Palace, Reading, Ipswich and Peterborough, there was also a frantic finish in the games at Coventry and Watford.
Visitors Blackpool took an 18th minute lead at Coventry City thanks to Gary Taylor-Fletcher’s superb half-volley.
The struggling Sky Blues turned the game on its head in a five-minute spell in the second half. Gary Deegan headed in from a corner on 78 minutes, before striker Lukas Jutkiewicz’ low shot made it 2-1.
But just as the home fans were about to celebrate what would have been only their 2nd win of the season, Blackpool midfielder Keith Southern popped up with a late equaliser.
At Vicarage Road, a London derby saw Watford entertain Millwall. The match sprung into life on 68 minutes, when Warren Feeney cross deflected off a Watford defender to give Millwall the lead. But 10 minutes later, the hosts were level when Carl Dickinson scored from the edge of the box. With just 5 minutes remaining, the Hornets snatched all the points when Craig Forsyth volleyed home the winner.
The win moves Watford up six places to 15th, while Millwall drop into the bottom three.
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Round 9 Results:
Brighton and Hove Albion 1-3 Crystal Palace
Bristol City 2-3 Reading
Burnley 5-1 Nottingham Forest
Cardiff City 2-1 Southampton
Coventry City 2-2 Blackpool
Derby County 1-1 Barnsley
Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Hull City
Middlesbrough 0-0 Leicester City
Portsmouth 2-3 Peterborough United
Watford 2-1 Millwall
West Ham United 1-0 Ipswich Town
Birmingham v Leeds United was postponed due to Birmingham’s involvement in the Europa League on Thursday
Click Here to view the latest Championship table
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