With only 4 games to go in the Npower Championship, the table starts to decide the team's fate with points tallies remaining incredibly tight at the top and the bottom of the table. Considering that only a week ago that any team below 8th position could still be mathematically relegated, and that any team above 24th could still make the play-offs, it certainly has been a roller coaster ride as the teams make their final push to secure as many points as possible.
Comprehensive Cardiff edge closer to the big league as fragile Forest flounder
Much attention was drawn towards the encounter at The Cardiff City Stadium as table toppers Cardiff took on play-off hopefuls Nottingham Forest. A Heider Helguson header from Craig Bellamy's free-kick gave the bluebirds the lead midway through the first half, and it was on-wards and upwards from there for Malky McKay's men as Darius Henderson was dismissed before the break leaving Forest with a colossus task to accomplish. A Gestede brace just off the hour mark wrapped the points up for Cardiff as they look to secure a place in The Premier League next season, which they only remain 2 points off doing.
Six for the Addicks
Chris Powell's men traveled to Oakwell unbeaten in their last 3 matches and soon made it 4 as Charlton hit the Tykes for six in a flamboyant display. The game was virtually Charlton's to lose within only 20 minutes as Bradley Pritchard followed up Yann Kermorgant's effort after just 4 minutes. Charlton continued to dominate and it only took 16 minutes after the first goal for skipper Johnnie Jackson is fire home from close range to give the visitors a two-goal advantage. Charlton never looked back after that, 2-0 up at break and their work was far from done there. Goals from Yann Kermorgant, Callum Harriot, Salim Kerkar and Ricardo Fuller all inside the second half rounded off a fantastic afternoon for the team from SE7 as the game ended 0-6 to Chris Powell's men and with three points to take back to London. Barnsely still remain fighting for their lives in the drop zone.
Brian McDermott off to winning start as Wednesday wilt
Brian McDermott got off to a good start as Leeds United manager as he picked up a win on his first game back in management after being sacked by Reading only weeks ago. It wasn't the dream start for McDermott however... relegation threatened Wednesday took the lead after 23 minutes with Jermaine Johnson lofting the ball into the net from close range. McDermott's belief and spirit certainly reflected on his sides second half performance as a Luke Varney brace within the space of 7 minutes secured the points for Leeds, and more importantly secured their Championship status for next season. A good start for McDermott puts Leeds 11th as he begins to prepare for a promotion charge next season.
Movers and Shakers
On the up.
Bolton Wanderers - up into the play-off places (6th) replacing Forest as they fought off Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Peterborough United - out of the relegation zone after a 3-2 victory against 3rd placed Watford at London Road.
Slipping.
Wolves - back to square one for Dean Saunders' men as Huddersfield take a huge 3 points from Molinuex to send Wolves back in to the drop zone
Middlesbrough - Mowbray's men slip to 10th place after defeat at home against Brighton. 2 wins in 17 matches and no 5 losses out of their last 6 paint an ugly portrait of Boro's recent form.
Full results and match statistics can be found at the BBC's Championship page.
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