Newz Forum: SOCCER: Coca-Cola Championship results 5/03/05

Wigan returned to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship after a 1-0 victory at home to title rivals Ipswich.

Sunderland had briefly assumed the lead after victory over Burnley on Friday night, but the Latics' superior goal difference edged them ahead after Nathan Ellington's 43rd-minute penalty winner - awarded for a foul by Wilnis on the Wigan striker.

Derby moved to within six points of a now third-placed Ipswich after Inigo Idiakez's 25-yard free-kick in the 24th minute secured a 1-0 win at home to Plymouth.

Ten-man West Ham, in sixth before the start of play, had a day to forget as they dropped out of the play-off places after 2-1 defeat at home to fifth-placed Preston. Stephen Bywater's fluffed clearance from a backpass presented David Nugent with the visitors' opener in the 17th minute, but things got worse for the Hammers a minute before half-time when Tomas Repka, who had been booked earlier, was shown a red card for a headbutt on Brian O'Neil. Substitute Patrick Agyemang made it 2-0 to Preston nine minutes before the final whistle and even Bobby Zamora's late effort could not inspire his side.

Sheffield United's play-off aspirations were damaged by a 1-0 defeat in Cardiff, Joe Ledley scoring the only goal of the match in the 73rd minute.

Gillingham gave themselves hope of avoiding the drop after beating bottom side Rotherham 3-1. Michael Flynn put the visitors ahead in the 26th minute but Martin Butler equalised for the Millers in the 56th minute. Mamady Sidibe and Darius Henderson gave the Gills an important victory with goals in the 72nd and 82nd minutes, but it was muted somewhat by other sides around them winning.

Nottingham Forest, one place below Gillingham in 23rd, beat Leicester thanks to Gareth Taylor's solitary strike in the 43rd minute, while Coventry, one position above the Gills, were 3-2 victors at Watford. Trevor Benjamin's header after 14 minutes put the Sky Blues ahead but Bruce Dyer equalised from close range in the 32nd minute, only for Claus Jorgensen to restore Coventry's advantage nine minutes into the second half. Michael Doyle extended the lead after 78 minutes before Danny Webber's goal six minutes from time set up a nervous finish.

Carl Cort and Kenny Miller both scored twice as Wolves beat Crewe 4-1, despite the home side taking an 11th-minute lead through Kenny Lunt's penalty. Cort sidefooted home an equaliser two minutes later before Miller struck his first, also from the penalty spot, after a foul on Paul Ince 10 minutes before half-time. On the stroke of half-time Cort made it 3-1 and Miller rounded off the scoring on the hour.

Gifton Noel-Williams' penalties in the 39th and 44th minutes were enough in Stoke's 2-0 victory over Brighton, while Reading were held to a goalless draw at QPR.

Source: Sportinglife.com