Boxing Day is an occasion closely associated with high-scoring affairs, but once again this Championship game-week proved to be extremely tight and only 20 goals were scored across the 12 ties. But, as we are beginning to expect from this season’s second-tier, late drama dominated the headlines, with Barnsley, Preston North End and Bristol City all grabbing late winners.
Brentford, Swansea and Reading Star in Latest Championship Game-Week
Sergi Canos Treble Boosts Brentford’s Promotion Push
Brentford managed to secure a 3-2 win against Cardiff City in the division’s most entertaining game on Boxing Day. The visitors had to withstand some late pressure from the Blues but held on to stretch their unbeaten run to 14 games.
Will Vaulks opened the scoring for the home side in spectacular fashion, lobbing Brentford goalkeeper David Raya with a first-time effort from inside his own half. Just seven minutes into the second half, Brentford replied and they replied in style when Sergi Canos reacted quickest to his previous shot being deflected up into the air, finding the back of the net with his looping volley.
The Spanish winger then doubled his and Brentford’s tally 15 minutes later, firing low past Alex Smithies after a fine solo run.
In the 73rd minute, Canos added his third of the afternoon. The 23-year-old once again found himself on the left-wing, causing trouble, and his intended cross was fumbled into the net by Smithies. Vaulks set up a nervy finish for the Bees, volleying home Sean Morrison‘s knock-down, but, ultimately, it was Brentford who walked away with all three points.
The victory for Brentford keeps them in fourth place, just a single point away from the automatic promotion positions. Meanwhile, a third defeat in four games for Cardiff sees the Welsh club drop to 12th and seven points adrift from the play-offs.
Swansea Move Second With Comfortable Win in West London
Swansea City recorded their fourth 2-0 win of the month in an impressive display against a struggling Queens Park Rangers this Championship game-week.
Andre Ayew opened the scoring for the travelling Swans moments before half-time, tapping home from no more than five yards out after Jake Bidwell‘s headed effort was kept out by the combination of Yoann Barbet and the post.
Jamal Lowe extended the lead ten minutes into the second half when he slotted past Seny Dieng after latching onto a brilliant through ball from Matt Grimes.
The win for Swansea takes them into second place- just four points off top spot. However, the situation does not look so pretty for QPR, who remain in 19th place and just four points away from the relegation zone.
Royals Regain Top Six Spot in Latest Championship Game-Week
Reading, who have struggled for any form since their brilliant start to the season, recorded a 2-1 win over Luton Town to move them back into the playoffs.
22-year-old defender Tom McIntyre broke the deadlock after just nine minutes, steering home a well-worked corner routine for his first professional goal for the club. Alfa Semedo made it 2-0 five minutes before half time, slotting home expertly after George Baldock‘s clever through ball.
The Hatters left it late to reply, but substitute Kazenga LuaLua found the back of the net from 25 yards out in the 90th minute.
However, the Royals held out for a well-deserved win and now occupy sixth place. As for Luton, they have now lost their last five away games, with LuaLua’s late strike being the first they have scored in those matches.
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