Championship highlights and round-up: Swansea go second; Derby beaten
Goals from Andre Ayew and Jamal Lowe see Swansea win at QPR and move into second; Ten-man Derby were beaten late on by Preston, while there were wins for Brentford, Bristol City, Reading and Barnsley on Boxing Day
Saturday 26 December 2020 22:29, UK
Swansea moved into the top two in the Championship after winning 2-0 at QPR on Boxing Day.
Goals from Andre Ayew and Jamal Lowe in either half steered the Swans to victory at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, as they took advantage of Bournemouth not playing to move into second.
Brentford moved into fourth after a stunning comeback win at Cardiff, thanks to a Sergi Canos hat-trick.
Will Vaulks scored a spectacular opener at the Cardiff City Stadium, but Canos struck three times in the second half, a couple of which were exceptional themselves, while Vaulks then grabbed a late consolation.
Xisco Munoz's tenure as Watford boss started in perfect fashion as the Hornets beat leaders Norwich 1-0 at Vicarage Road.
The Spaniard had only been in the job for six days, following Vladimir Ivic's dismissal a week earlier, but guided his side to a first win in three games courtesy of Ismaila Sarr's fourth goal of the season six minutes before the break.
Reading bolstered their top-six credentials with a 2-1 win over Luton. Tom McIntyre and Alfa Semedo set the Royals on their way in the first half, while Kazenga LuaLua struck late on for the Hatters.
Bristol City secured a narrow late 2-1 win over Wycombe at Ashton Gate. Chris Martin put them in front before Garath McCleary levelled for the Chairboys. Famara Diedhiou then struck late on for the Robins to earn the three points.
Wayne Rooney suffered defeat for the first time as Derby interim manager as they fell to a late 1-0 defeat at home to Preston. Martyn Waghorn was dismissed after just 20 minutes for the home side at Pride Park, while Alan Browne capitalised with the only goal deep into stoppage-time.
Barnsley came from behind to beat Huddersfield 2-1 thanks to two goals from Michal Helik, and Joe Rothwell earned a 1-1 draw for Blackburn against Sheffield Wednesday.
Coventry and Stoke drew 0-0, as did Nottingham Forest and Birmingham.
