Andrew Lynch: Boxing Day 1999. Traffic on M6. Arrived at Goodison Park 10 mins late, got in just in time to see the 1st of 5 goals vs. Sunderland

Some of the home fans seem to be growing slightly restless. This wasn't in the script perhaps?

Wednesday have spoiled the party so far.

Meanwhile their midfielder Barry Bannan has been booked for a sliding tackle.

Image source, Rex Features

Norwich had Jonny Howson sent off, before conceding two second-half goals at Reading to fall to their eighth defeat in 10 games and increase the pressure on manager Alex Neil. Neil was asked after the game if he felt he deserved to keep his job.

Norwich manager Alex Neil told BBC Radio Norfolk:

"That's not my decision to make, it's other people's decision.

"The one thing, I'll just continue doing my job as well as I can. I thought the game-plan we had today was the right one.

"If I had any luck at the moment it'd be no luck."

Great judo throw from Issac Hayden on Sheffield Wednesday's Sam Hutchinson. Both players get up while having a chuckle.

Liam Palmer subsequently is played in down the right but whacks it over the bar in the fashion of a right-back. As he is. No offence to right-backs.

Image source, Rex Features

Karl Darlow is earning his post-match mince pie! Wow. Three great saves in a matter of minutes.

Corner from Ross Wallace came in and as it was guided towards goal the ex-Forest keeper made two smart saves.

Darlow denies Wednesday the opener.

First signs that Wednesday are going to struggle to contain Dwight Gayle as he forces the foul from Glenn Loovens.

Jack Colback's free-kick in turn earns the corner... Ciaran Clark's booming header from the set-piece just powered wide.

Then Karl Darlow is forced into a great save, tipping over from Steven Fletcher! Game on.

Jamaal Lascelles climbs to head toward goal from a corner which sails over the top. Another chance chalked off for the Magpies.

They're just beginning to assert themselves this last five minutes. Wednesday were really fired up first five minutes but the momentum is shifting.

Image source, Rex Features

Really open game this. Both teams are showing a bit of adventure and trying to slide the ball around.

Both teams targeting wide areas as well.

Dwight Gayle was put in by Mo Diame but could only smack the post! Nearly number 18 of the campaign. Good hand from Keiren Westwood to stop it too.

Best chance so far, Vurnon Anita unable to put away the loose ball.

Newcastle give us a warning of how good they are on the break by bursting downfield and earning a corner of their own.

It was an avoidable one though because Daniel Pudil smacked the ball out unopposed after a teasing Paul Dummett cross.

Now a free-kick for the Magpies...

Image source, Rex Features

I'm sure there's a very good reason for it but I'm not a fan of this Sheffield Wednesday top.

Where are the stripes? Other brands are available but the old Umbro top with Sanderson or ASDA on it is how I'll always think of Wednesday.

Newcastle's kit is nice and plain, but those numbers are bordering on an acid trip. Nightmare to make out.

Meanwhile, Wednesday get a corner... they're enjoying a purple patch.

Think this will be a good game. Both teams can play it about a bit, they're trying to attack early and get their lively forwards in.

Ross Wallace, one a couple of ex-Sunderland lads, is enjoying a fair bit of ball early on for Wednesday.

Image source, Getty Images

It's not been the happiest Christmas for Bruno Ribeiro, I think it's fair to say.

Following Port Vale's 1-0 home defeat by Walsall today, manager Ribeiro has handed in his resignation at the League One club.

“The chairman and I had a project, which sadly due to recent form left me feeling that I let the chairman, fans and club down," the 41-year-old told the club's website.

"It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation with Port Vale Football Club."

Vale are 17th in the table and six points above the relegation zone following a run of six League One matches without a win.

Early corner for Newcastle comes to nothing, looked like a set play that wasn't executed properly.

Packed to the rafters, impressive effort on a Boxing Day night.

Image source, Rex Features

Pleasantries done, coin-tossed, ends picked. Talking time is over. It's business.

Newcastle kicking off, attacking the Gallowgate. We're underway.

'Local Hero' blazes out of the PA system at St James' and the teams are out on the field.

Decent crowd on a chilly night in the north east, up on the hill on Tyneside.

Not long now. All the action here, and we'll bring you some reaction from around the Championship during the first-half too.

There's been plenty of action throughout the division already today...

• Brentford 2-2 Cardiff City
• Aston Villa 2-1 Burton Albion
• Barnsley 2-0 Blackburn Rovers
• Huddersfield 2-1 Nottingham Forest
• Ipswich 0-2 Fulham
• Preston NE 1-4 Leeds United
• Reading 3-1 Norwich
• Rotherham 3-2 Wigan
• Wolves 3-2 Bristol City

...So as we close in on kick-off, let's have a look at what's gone on.  

Brighton - second behind Newcastle - play QPR tomorrow, while Derby play Birmingham City.

Image source, Rex Features

It's been a good day for Yorkshire in the Championship.

Leeds, Huddersfield, Barnsley and Rotherham have all picked up the maximum three points.

For the Yorkies... Wednesday can make it a clean sweep.

As for everyone else it's down to Newcastle United to spoil the Christmas party.

Image source, BBC Sport

As we continue to build up to tonight's EFL match, some breaking news just in - Port Vale have accepted the resignation of manager Bruno Ribeiro - a friend of Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal - following today's 1-0 League One defeat by Walsall.

READ MORE: Ribeiro resigns as Vale boss

The sight of Dwight Gayle wheeling away in delight after scoring has become a pleasingly frequent event for Newcastle United fans this season.

Having forked out around £10m for the Crystal Palace player in August, the Magpies have had a fine return of 17 goals in 20 games for their investment.

Only Barnet's John Akinde has scored more goals as the ex-Peterborough and Dagenham & Redbridge forward this term.

One to be wary of for Carlos Carvalhal's side, that's for sure.

Image source, Rex