West Brom missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Championship after they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against a Preston side reduced to nine men at Deepdale

The result leaves Tony Mowbray's side ahead of second-placed Bristol City only on goal difference having now played the same number of games.

Youl Mawene opened the scoring in the sixth minute but Zoltan Gera equalised for the visitors in the 50th minute.

Preston's FA Cup fourth-round hero Karl Hawley grabbed the winner in the 72nd minute before Mawene and striker Chris Brown were both sent off for second bookable offences.

Charlton midfielder Lloyd Sam scored an 83rd-minute winner to give his side a 1-0 win over fellow promotion hopefuls Stoke at The Valley.

Wales international Joe Ledley struck twice in the first half to help Cardiff extend their unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions with a 3-1 home victory over QPR.

Paul Parry added a third goal for David Jones' side after the half-time break before Hogan Ephraim grabbed a consolation goal for the visitors 14 minutes from time.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake hit a dramatic injury-time winner to keep Wolves in the hunt for a play-off place as they clinched a 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Molineux.

Andy Keogh had earlier opened the scoring for Wolves in the 11th minute but Marcus Tudgay pulled the Owls level eight minutes later.

Ebanks-Blake stole in ahead of his marker to earn Wanderers a first home victory in the league since December 1.

Sheffield United substitute David Carney came off the bench to hand his side a point against Watford in a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane.

Nathan Ellington proved there was life at Watford after Marlon King and gave the Hornets the lead in the 20th minute lead but Carney bundled the ball home in the 67th minute.

New signing Jon Macken celebrated his return to Barnsley after he scored the only goal of the game in first-half stoppage time to help the Tykes to a 1-0 win over Colchester at Oakwell.

A dramatic last-minute goal by substitute Caleb Folan gave Hull their first league victory of the year as his side ran out 1-0 winners over Coventry at the KC Stadium.

Norwich striker Ched Evans gave his side a 1-0 away win over Southampton, while Ipswich were held to a goalless draw by Plymouth at Portman Road.

Sporting Life / Eurosport