Summary

  1. Farewell for nowpublished at 18:31 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

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    Chris Wilder applauds the Sheffield United fansImage source, Rex Features

    Things are tight up and down the Championship after another stellar afternoon in the second tier.

    The race for automatic promotion, the play-offs and survival are all finely poised with plenty at stake with two weeks left of the January transfer window remaining.

    Sheffield United lead the way on Saturday, with Plymouth looking quite forlorn at the bottom.

    Dramatic wins for Cardiff, in the south Wales derby, and Portsmouth have hotted up the race to maintain Championship status.

    Middlesbrough, Blackburn and West Brom's failure to register victories on Saturday has livened up the top six fight, too.

    We've got another derby to get stuck into tomorrow as promotion-hunting Leeds United host Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

    We'll be back tomorrow morning for that early Sunday kick-off, but for now thank you for joining us.

  2. 'Winning a game like this needed a moment of magic'published at 18:28 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Oxford 1-0 Blackburn

    Oxford United

    Gary RowettImage source, Rex Features

    Oxford United boss Gary Rowett told BBC Radio Oxford:

    "I was super impressed with the players today. I thought it would be a different type of challenge - a team in the top six coming here on the back of a good result. So it was one of those games where I was quite keen to see how we handle it and how we are going to play.

    "I thought we started really brightly and we looked like we had a threat and there were loads of quality moments against a tough side who don't give many chances away.

    "If we are going to win a game like this it was going to need a little bit of magic. We got the wrong side of an offside which I don't think was offside then Cammy [Brannagan] steps up and drills one in the top corner.

    "It was a finish worthy of winning any game of football. It was the best performance from the team [under me].

    "To play against a good side like Blackburn and control large parts of the game and create some good opportunities was encouraging."

  3. 'A frustrating afternoon' for Blackburnpublished at 18:26 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Oxford 1-0 Blackburn

    Blackburn Rovers

    John Eustace looks onImage source, Rex Features

    Blackburn Rovers head coach John Eustace told BBC Radio Lancashire:

    "It was a frustrating afternoon for us. I didn't think we started very well and rode our luck in the first 15 minutes. But after that, I thought we grew into it and played some good stuff.

    "We were disappointed not to take any of our chances and we need to be better in that final third. Second half we couldn't match them for 10 minutes and then they have punished us with a very good free-kick.

    "We have to learn from it and move on. It is pleasing to see the boys efforts fighting and pushing at the end but we were not good enough.

    "Sonny Tronstad [who was injured in the first half] has done something to his hamstring so we will have to look at that.

    "He has been player of the season up to now and you can see when he goes off the pitch we were a little bit different. We will have to adapt."

  4. 'The team was willing to sacrifice for the club'published at 18:24 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Derby 0-2 Watford

    Watford

    Tom CleverleyImage source, Rex Features

    Watford boss Tom Cleverley told BBC Three Counties Radio:

    “It was a fantastic away performance and the it’s the clean sheet element that really pleases me the most.

    “I thought James Abankwah came in for his debut after training for two days and was fantastic. And the whole defensive unit really deserve that today, and especially Jonathan Bond.

    “I saw a team that was really willing to sacrifice for the club for each other. It was a real top performance.

    “Everyone’s together, through thick and thin, through the set-backs that we have had recently. That’s in the past and everyone is fighting and sacrificing together – players, staff and fans. We are now only one point of fifth and it’s starting to look up again.”

  5. Norwich conceded 'sloppy' goals - Thoruppublished at 18:22 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Sheff Utd 2-0 Norwich

    Norwich City

    Norwich manager Johannes ThorupImage source, Rex Features

    Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup told BBC Radio Norfolk:

    "We expected to be more on the ball because that’s the way they approach the game so it’s not that important for me.

    "I expected us to dominate but I also expected us to be able to take better care of the chances that we got into.

    "We had many situations in the box and around the box and offensive transitions, but the quality of decisions in the final third was below standard.

    "I’m frustrated and disappointed about that because I think there was something for us in this game tonight and the goals we conceded are down to our own sloppiness in two vital moments."

  6. 'We were never really in danger'published at 18:19 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Sheff Utd 2-0 Norwich

    Sheffield United

    Chris WilderImage source, Rex Features

    Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield: "I thought the team was excellent from start to finish against dangerous opposition.

    "At our absolute weakest, we produced that. We got a couple back today and lost a couple. I thought we controlled the game, created some really good chances, a couple of great goals and opportunities.

    "We were never really in danger, did the out of possession stuff really well, coped with that against dangerous opposition, and in possession I thought we were bright, sharp and created some good opportunities, so a fabulous day.

    "I said to the players we have to embrace it, the reward for getting three points today was going back to the top of the division and we've done that."

  7. 'We let the game get away again'published at 18:16 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Portsmouth 2-1 Middlesbrough

    Middlesbrough

    Middlesbrough concede a goal against PortsmouthImage source, Rex Features

    Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick told BBC Radio Tees: "We let the game get away from us again. It's something we've let happen far too often recently.

    "Coming here, how they play and how they make the game feel, I thought we dealt with it first half and the start of the second half, we had chances to go 2-0 up which we didn't take and the game's always on a knife edge.

    "We spoke about concentration and how the game can flip in one moment and their first goal had a massive effect on things.

    "So we're hurting about coming away with nothing after the position we put ourselves in."

  8. 'I could hear fans' frustration'published at 18:13 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Derby 0-2 Watford

    Derby County

    Paul WarneImage source, Rex Features

    Derby County head coach Paul Warne told BBC Radio Derby:

    "I could hear the frustration at the final whistle [with fans booing]. I understand that, I’m a big boy, and I think it is on the run of results. I don’t think it was the independent game, I didn’t think we played that bad to be fair.

    "It’s always about chances. You have to take your opportunities and I thought we had a really good opportunity in the first couple of minutes with Jerry [Yates], he hit the side netting and I’d normally expect him to score that.

    "They then score up at our end and the game was then edgy for 10-15 minutes - we didn’t look that good and looked a little nervous.

    "I thought we has ascendancy in our play at the end of the first half, we created chances and didn’t take them and hit the crossbar twice.

    "At half-time we told the lads to be a little more aggressive, I just think we looked a softer than normal and they had real threat.

    "And the more you try push that goal, the more you are open to the counter attack. They are a really athletic side that caused us no end of problems on the counter attack and could have scored another couple."

  9. 'We did more than enough to win'published at 18:11 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: West Brom 1-1 Stoke

    West Bromwich Albion

    West Brom interim boss Chris BruntImage source, Getty Images

    West Bromwich Albion interim boss Chris Brunt told BBC Radio WM: "We did more than enough to win but, if you can’t win, then you just make sure you don’t lose. But, looking back we could have won this one and the Swansea game too.

    "Obviously losing Josh Maja was a blow but, if you want to win games, you have to score goals and we’ve missed too many chances.

    "We haven’t lost many games but we’ve had far too many draws. And that’s something Tony Mowbray and his staff now have to work on.

    "There’s things he can take from this game. But he’s a great manager and the club can only benefit from having him back here."

  10. 'Lowe has come back full of confidence'published at 18:07 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Stoke 1-1 West Brom

    Stoke City

    Stoke boss Mark Robins claps the fans after the draw at West BromImage source, Rex Features

    Stoke City boss Mark Robins told BBC Radio Stoke: "I’ve got to be happy coming here and getting a point. You can tell what a good side they are and why they are up there at this end of the league.

    "Going a goal up gave us a chance to build some momentum and we were good value for it. Nathan Lowe took his chance really well.

    "He s come back full of confidence from scoring goals for Walsall – and they’ve obviously done a good job with him. He’s only 19 and he has so much potential.

    "When we didn’t score a second goal, you’re always in danger of conceding and they were doing more attacking than us second half."

  11. 'The pitch was terrible'published at 18:04 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Coventry 1-0 Bristol City

    Bristol City

    Liam ManningImage source, Rex Features

    Bristol City boss Liam Manning told BBC Radio Bristol: "I thought it was a difficult game. I thought the pitch played terribly. I don't want to make excuses for it because it's the same for them, but I thought it made it quite challenging for many aspects.

    "In a nutshell, we didn't take our chances and they took one of theirs ultimately.

    "We have to adapt and find a way to execute things with quality. We missed two really good chances and gave away a soft goal, which is frustrating.

    "It's up to us to respond on Wednesday."

  12. 'Players came in and did their job'published at 18:02 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Coventry 1-0 Bristol City

    Coventry

    Frank LampardImage source, Getty Images

    Coventry City Manager Frank Lampard told BBC Radio CWR:

    “It was a very good result to get, I am very pleased with the mentality and character of the team. We are missing some bodies, but players are coming in and doing their job.

    “We had to fight to get the clean sheet and we got a goal I thought we deserved through the pressure we put on them, it was a real moment of quality from Brandon [Thomas-Asante].

    “It wasn’t a beautiful game. There was good stuff, but some moments of turnovers, misplaced partners and bad decisions in there as well.

    “I was happy how we managed the game towards the end, though so I can’t complain, there were some real work ethics hidden in the performance too.”

  13. 'Those are the basics'published at 18:00 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Plymouth 0-1 QPR

    Plymouth Argyle

    Plymouth head coach Miron MuslicImage source, Rex Features

    Plymouth head coach Miron Muslic told BBC Radio Devon:

    "I'm very disappointed because simply we lacked the desire to win the duels. Those are the basics.

    "We had some injury doubts the last couple of days, but I don't think this was the problem. We just lacked physicality and the difference between our players and theirs was immense in everything.

    "We lacked that desire to win duels and if you can't win duels, you don't have a chance."

  14. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 17:58 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    #bbcefl on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    As an Oxford fan, it was sad to see Buckingham go. But you can’t deny the turn in form since Rowett has come in… we’re 15th, where has that come from?!

    Sam

  15. 'It was a good performance'published at 17:56 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Millwall 0-1 Hull

    Hull City

    Hull manager Ruben Selles salutes the travelling supportImage source, Getty Images

    Hull City boss Ruben Selles told BBC Radio Humberside:

    "It's difficult always to come here and try to perform. We had some phases that we controlled the game and created situations when we should go in front.

    "There were some situations where we didn't find the pass and ended up being under pressure, but overall I think it was a good performance.

    "My team showed they can play in defensive scenarios and still be powerful, aggressive and win football matches.

    "With the goal, Regan (Slater) is a fantastic ball carrier, he attacked the space and we were in the situation where we had a runner at the first post, runner at the back post, another runner arriving, and every ball there either we'll score or it's very difficult to defend, and it went in."

  16. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 17:53 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    #bbcefl on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Boro have a soft underbelly. A lot of points thrown away from winning positions this season. Today was a 'typical Boro' result.

    Andrew from Great Ayton

  17. 'We should have fought before full-time'published at 17:50 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Cardiff 3-0 Swansea

    Swansea City

    Swansea boss Luke Williams after the defeat at CardiffImage source, Getty Images

    Swansea boss Luke Williams said his players should have shown more fight during the game after his side were beaten 3-0 by rivals Cardiff.

    The two sets of players were embroiled in a bust-up after the final whistle at the Cardiff City Stadium, which Williams described as "pathetic".

    "If we think that's going to in some way take attention away from a shoddy performance, we're very much mistaken," Williams said.

    "The time for fighting was on the pitch, fighting for the ball, fighting for our fans to make one more run forward, to make one more tackle, to jump for one more header, to try to make one more action to the box, to try to make one more recovery run when your legs have gone.

    "That's fighting, not scrapping on the pitch and swearing and pushing. That's pathetic."

  18. 'Welsh derby win was for Riza'published at 17:46 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    FT: Cardiff 3-0 Swansea

    Cardiff City

    Omer RizaImage source, Getty Images

    Cardiff assistant coach Tom Ramasut says today's 3-0 win over Swansea in the south Wales derby was for grieving manager Omer Riza after his father died on Thursday.

    "It's really heartwarming because I know there's been a lot of great messages from fans," said Ramasut, who took the post-match media interviews as Riza was sent off following a late confrontation with Swansea's Goncalo Franco.

    "It's been an extremely difficult week. He drove back home to spend the last moments with his father.

    "What's been such a warming feeling is the support he's had from the players, all the staff, and the togetherness we've shown and I'm sure he's taken a lot of comfort from that.

    "I'm sure his father will be looking down. I think he felt like he had a responsibility and that was the right thing to do."

    Ramasut added: "If you show that fight and togetherness, then we have plenty of quality to win the game. That's exactly what Callum Robinson did with some unbelievable touches to finish."

  19. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 17:43 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

    #bbcefl, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    So after all that, how are we feeling?

    • Blades fans - do you think your city rivals can do you a favour tomorrow, or will Leeds be back on top at the end of the weekend?
    • Pilgrims - how worrying is this? Only two games in for Miron Muslic but the task of staying up is growing by the day, is he up to the job?
    • Boro supporters - how big a chance missed was that?
    • And finally Rams - four league defeats in a row, just one point above the drop zone now, what needs to change?
    • Whoever you are and whichever team you support, get in touch and let us know your thoughts about what you've seen today?
    • Keep it clean enough and you might see it posted back in here!
  20. Championship stats of the daypublished at 17:39 Greenwich Mean Time 18 January

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    QPR's players celebrate scoring the winning goal against PlymouthImage source, Rex Features
    • QPR’s 1-0 win against Plymouth Argyle means that they have now won 20 Championship points since the start of December (W6 D2 L1), the most of any side in that period, after earning just 15 points across their first 18 matches of the campaign.
    • Oxford United have won a league match against Blackburn Rovers for the first time since a 3-1 win at Ewood Park in December 1990, having drawn two and lost four of their subsequent six meetings against them before today.
    • Only Norwich (10) have scored more goals from outside the box in the Championship than Sheffield United (8) this season.
    • Cardiff City's Callum Robinson is the first player to score in both South Wales derby league meetings in a season since Ross McCormack in 2008-09, who also did so for the Bluebirds.
    • Stoke City’s Nathan Lowe has now scored in six consecutive EFL matches, having also scored in each of his past five League Two matches while on loan at Walsall. Lowe has 16 league goals in total this season, 11 more than any other teenager in the top four tiers of English football.