Image source, Getty Images

If the rest of 2025 is anything like the first 24 hours then we're in for a brilliant end of the season.

Leaders Leeds were denied a dramatic win over Blackburn by an even more dramatic equaliser, Burnley couldn't capitalise as they were held to another stalemate by Stoke, who will be managed by Mark Robins going forward.

Sunderland have moved within two points of the automatic promotion places by seeing-off Sheffield United while earlier Middlesbrough snatched a 93rd minute winner at Hull to go fifth, with West Brom back to winning ways and making up the top-six.

Pompey are out of the drop-zone at the other end, at Hull's expense, while basement boys Plymouth and Cardiff both picked up useful points to close the gap to Luton, who edge ever closer to the drop-zone after another defeat against Norwich.

Our near 11-hour vigil is at an end. Thank you for your company across an enthralling day.

No rest for us, however, we'll be back tomorrow for two big games in League Two, while we'll have a full programme of Championship action across the weekend, starting with the mouth-watering prospect of the Lancashire derby between Blackburn and Burnley at Ewood Park.

Enjoy what's left of your New Year's Day and we'll see you back here soon!

Sheffield United

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder told Sky Sports: "I have to say credit to them, they defended with their lives, we could not get through them, but it is very unlike us to give them the two goals like we did tonight.

"They put everything on the line and it gave them and their fans the belief that they could get the result that they were after.

"We just could not find that little bit of quality."

Sunderland

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bristold Sky Sports: "We played a different kind of game as we had a different line up with more speed, more pace, probably a little less control of the ball but were a big threat in behind.

"It was not only counter attack, the team worked very hard today, the fans were also impressive today, they helped us during the difficult parts of the game.

"Today we are happy, but it is a case of one more game at a time."

Thirsty for more? For those who have lost track, it's Wednesday night, meaning not long to wait for the next round of Championship games are upon us.

What a line-up we have to look forward to on Saturday, Sunday and Monday night.

Saturday

Blackburn v Burnley (12:30)

Stoke v Plymouth (12:30)

Swansea v West Brom (12:30)

Bristol City v Derby

Hull City v Leeds

Middlesbrough v Cardiff

Norwich v Coventry

Preston v Oxford United

Sheff Wed v Millwall

Watford v Sheff Utd

Sunday

Sunderland v Portsmouth

Monday

QPR v Luton (20:00 GMT)

Sunderland

Sunderland defender Chris Mepham told Sky Sports: "It was a massive shift from the lads.

"We are really dangerous on the counter attack - we have shown it time and time again.

"Eli (Mayenda) took his goal well today and answered all the critics he might have had.

"It's a massive win, especially the way the results went for us today. You need a bit of luck, if the penalty goes in it's a different game, but it's a real big momentum result for us."

Caught your breath? Good, just in time to relive the action with Ian Woodcock's match report of this evening's whizzbanger.

Click here to read it.

Sunderland

Sunderland forward Eli Mayenda told Sky Sports: "It's an amazing feeling. It's special to win at home on New Year. I am very happy to win, it's a big victory, I am very happy.

"I was looking to press at the right time (for the first goal), it was a good goal."

And so ends a mammoth marathon New Year's Day of Championship action.

We've had stoppage-time goals aplenty and a number of surprising results to start 2025 with a bang.

Oh and a goal from his own half from Josh Windass that would have even David Beckham green with envy.

Here's a reminder of what's occurred...

• Plymouth 2-2 Bristol City
• QPR 3-1 Watford
• Millwall 0-1 Oxford
• Burnley 0-0 Stoke
• Cardiff 1-1 Coventry
• Leeds 1-1 Blackburn
• Luton 0-1 Norwich
• Portsmouth 4-0 Swansea
• Sheff Wed 4-2 Derby
• West Brom 3-1 Preston
• Hull 0-1 Middlesbrough
• Sunderland 2-1 Sheff Utd

Click here to read reports from all of today's games.

Looks a bit nicer, eh Sunderland fans?

Slightly less so for the Blades. As the weeks go by those two points Sheffield United had deducted for financial reasons look like they could be more and more vital.

But they're still only outside the top two on goal difference.

Andy Giddings
Sports Editor, BBC Sheffield

At times it looked as though Sheffield United might get something from this game, but mistakes have been their undoing today, particularly in a sloppy first half.

They came out in the second half and did really well, they will be disappointed for having so much ball but just a lapse in concentration letting them down.

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland come out on top in a breathless encounter which showcased everything good about the Championship.

They are not going to dip out of this promotion race quietly, make no mistake. Sunderland remain unbeaten at home and are within two points of Sheffield United - and just five points separate the top four.

For Sheffield United it's three games without a win at this level for the first time since a run of six games without victory in October 2022.

Kieffer Moore's penalty, saved by Anthony Patterson after 14 minutes, seems a lifetime ago. Eli Mayenda and Wilson Isidor secured the points either side of Luke O'Nien's unfortunate own goal, all in an eight-minute spell before half-time.

22 January 2005 was the last time Sunderland beat the Blades at home in the league. They're going to enjoy this one for a while...

The best game of the year so far? I say so. It might end up being one of the best of the season.

What a brave save from Anthony Patterson, throwing his body in the way to claim a low cross from the left from Harrison Burrows under immense pressure.

That could be that...

Wilson Isidor gets a rousing reception as he heads off - as it stands as the match-winner.

Nazariy Rusyn comes on for the final seconds.

Rhian Brewster's inswinging cross from the Blades right is flicked on by the head of Jobe Bellingham and slides past everyone on its way past the far post.

The corner causes an almighty scramble before being cleared to Tom Davies who sees a 20-yard curler deflected wide.

Into four additional minutes. I wanted 24.

Jack Robinson is the latest Blades man into the book after bringing down Eli Mayenda as the teenager tried to launch another pacey counter attack.

Andy Giddings
Sports Editor, BBC Sheffield

If this scoreline stays the same, just five points will separate the top four in the Championship.

I do believe if United get one though they may then get another.

Image source, PA Media

Eli Mayenda manages to get the wrong side of Rhys Norrington-Davies and bear down on goal but the Blades sub just about manages to get back to divert his angled strike past the post.

The subsequent corner is met by the head of Chris Mepham but he sends it straight at Michael Cooper.

Aji Alese then picks up a yellow card for preventing Cooper from taking a quick clearance kick.

This game has had everything...

Adil Aouchiche departs to a standing ovation, with Leo Hjelde coming on for Sunderland for the final six minutes and change.

Harrison Burrows shows fleet feet to earn a free-kick four yards outside the penalty area in a good position for Gus Hamer, who can only whip a curling effort six inches past the angle of post and bar.

Anthony Paterson was not getting anywhere near that.

Sunderland work a three-on-two situation with Trai Hume pinching possession and then driving forward, but his pass is just behind Adil Aouchiche on the right, halting his momentum and ending with the ball being given away.