Rotherham United, Watford and Cardiff City all starred in the latest Championship game-week, in a round of fixtures where only two games were won by two or more goals.
Rotherham United, Watford and Cardiff City Star in Most Recent Championship Game-Week
Rotherham United Strengthen Their Survival Push
Rotherham made serious progress in their pursuit of Championship survival with a 2-0 win at Bristol City.
In an evenly-contested first 45 minutes, it was the visitors who grabbed the all-important opener, when Michael Smith beat Bristol City goalkeeper Daniel Bentley to Wes Harding‘s cross before glancing his header into the empty net. Richard Wood secured the much-needed three points for the Yorkshire club in the 74th minute, heading in from Daniel Barlaser’s corner after Bentley had once again tried to punch away.
Defeat for the Robins meant they dropped down a place to 14th, whilst Rotherham United remain in 22nd place but are now just three points from safety with four-game in hand on Birmingham City in 21st.
Hornets Continue Scintillating Form With Comfortable Victory Over Blues
Watford secured their ninth win out of their last ten with a convincing 3-0 victory over a Birmingham side whose survival hopes are diminishing once more.
Ken Sema opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he chased up Joao Pedro‘s effort that was brilliantly saved by Neil Etheridge in the Birmingham City goal. Watford extended their lead in the 55th minute when Nathaniel Chalobahadded his third goal of the season with a power header from Dan Gosling‘s corner. Andre Gray completed the scoring within a minute of coming on when he latched onto Jeremy Ngakia‘s through ball and coolly slotted past Etheridge.
Victory for Watford has bridged themselves a six-point gap from Swansea City in third, as they continue their fight to bounce back at the first time of asking. For Birmingham, their situation is looking increasingly bleak. They may be above Rotherham, but the Yorkshire club’s four games in hand may prove vital.
Cardiff City Win Bragging Rights in South Wales
Cardiff City put an end to four games without a win against Swansea City with a 1-0 victory to not just win the bragging rights, but to boost their play-off chances.
The opening goal and eventual winner came in the eighth minute after Swansea were unable to clear from Will Vaulks‘ long throw. The ball eventually fell to Aden Flint, whose diving header flew past Freddie Woodman in the Swans goal. Both sides had opportunities to grab the all-important second goal, but the failure to convert made for a tense last few minutes before the sound of the final whistle.
Swansea sit six points off the automatic spots but still possess a game in hand on Watford. Cardiff’s play-off ambitions are still very much intact. They are now just four points off Reading in sixth and will be hoping to put a run together to cement that final spot.
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