The penultimate Championship game-week before Christmas followed a familiar tightly-contested season so far, with Millwall, Nottingham Forest and Derby County securing vital wins. Zero teams were able to win by a scoreline that exceeded two goals, whilst 75% of the games were either a draw or were determined by one goal.
Millwall, Nottingham Forest and Derby County All Star in Latest Championship Game-Week
Lions End 10-Game Winless Run in the Southwest
Millwall bounced back in style to record a 2-0 away win against play-off chasing Bristol City. The Lions recorded their first win since October 28 with a goal either side of the break, despite seeing just 32% of possession.
The struggling visitors opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Tom Bradshaw‘s deflected effort completely wrong-footing Dan Bentley in the Bristol City goal and ending up in the back of the net. Mason Bennett doubled Millwall’s advantage midway through the second half, cutting in and firing into the bottom corner and ultimately securing the much-needed points for the Lions.
Millwall’s first win in six league games has taken them up to 15th. Whilst, Bristol City’s second 2-0 loss in succession means they are now another point away from the desired play-off positions.
Forest Comfortably See off Fellow Championship Strugglers Sheffield Wednesday
In a game-week where anything other than a win would have seen Nottingham Forest drop into the relegation zone, Chris Hughton’s side enjoyed a 2-0 victory against bottom of the league Sheffield Wednesday.
In a battle of the league’s least in-form sides, Yuri Ribeiro got the Reds off to a dream start with his sweet first-time strike opening the scoring after just four minutes. Both sides struggled to create any chances of note from that point forward until Lewis Grabban sealed Forest’s first win in eight games when he clinically struck home inside of the box.
Forest remain just above the relegation places on goal difference, whilst Sheffield Wednesday – who have only won one game in their last 14 – sit in bottom place and are now seven points from safety.
Rams Extend Unbeaten Run
Derby County extended their unbeaten run to six with a convincing 2-0 win against play-off hopefuls Swansea City. Additionally, the Rams made it four games without conceding a goal and look revitalised after such a poor start.
Colin Kazim-Richards opened the scoring for Derby after just four minutes, poking his effort beyond Freddie Woodman after the Swans failed to deal with a free-kick. Kamil Jozwiak grabbed a second for the hosts in the 37th minute, with his emphatic left-footed strike flying into the top corner to give his side a fully deserved two-goal advantage.
The victory was just Derby’s third of the season and wasn’t enough to lift them out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Swansea sit in fourth place but will be well aware of the gathering pack just outside the play-offs.
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