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There we are then. Another mid-week programme of Championship fayre finishes with the usual fireworks.

Nottingham Forest fans will scarcely believe the past few weeks, but under Steve Cooper they are looking the real deal. They've had their fingers burnt by play-off campaigns in the past though...

Bournemouth boss Scott Parker would have been forgiven for spending the last few days in a darkened room after they were dumped out of the cup by National League side Boreham Wood.

Yet a few days later they're into the top two and put Birmingham away.

Steve Bruce meanwhile certainly knows the job ahead at West Brom doesn't he? Big task there to turn things around.

Anyway, that's it for tonight. We'll be back on Saturday when our first port of call is the John Smith's Stadium, for an all-Yorkshire derby between two upwardly mobile teams in Huddersfield and Sheffield United.

As they say in those parts, 'Sithee then.

Cardiff's thumping win over Peterborough eases their own fears and adds to the frustrations for Posh.

Reading could have done with some points but Bristol City (just out of shot so to speak) get a boost from their win over the Royals.

Bournemouth go back into the automatic promotion places with a key win over Birmingham, after Blackburn faltered against Nottingham Forest.

Forest get joy too as they hit the top six for the first time this season.

They were floundering at the bottom end of the table when Steve Cooper arrived. Remarkable.

Draws for QPR and Huddersfield are enough to keep them snugly tucked in among the pack.

Matt Fuery: Ah here's the real Blackburn I know and love, giving me hope only to smash me back down. I really thought we had a chance but these back to back losses we can't afford if we want to contest promotion

The points are shared after a pulsating affair.

QPR led twice but Boro pegged them back on both occasions and were more than good value for a point.

The hosts stay fourth, while Chris Wilder's men move up to seventh, only outside the playoff spots on goal difference.

The absent Nigel Pearson will at least have been able to watch his Bristol City side pick up a precious win against strugglers Reading.

Antoine Semenyo gave them the lead and Michael Morrison's own goal doubled it, but Reading fought back hard, inspired by sub John Swift.

They got a goal late on through the talismanic Swift, but they could not find a way through some desperate defence.

Nottingham Forest move into the play-off places for the first time this season, as Steve Cooper's remarkable run as boss continues.

James Garner's fine finish and a Brennan Johnson penalty were the difference, as Rovers suffer defeat at home for the first time since November.

Tony Mowbray's side are also out of the top two, having failed to break down Forest.

All over and it's a defeat in his first game for Steve Bruce.

The Blades improvement continues apace and the Baggies drop out of the playoff places.

Billy Sharp's double - one in each half - secured the points.

Nothing to separate them.

Preston were angry to see a strong penalty claim dismissed late on but it ends goalless.

The point consolidates Huddersfield's place in the playoff spots, with Preston down in 12th but only four points off sixth.

Match-winner Billy Sharp is given the chance to soak-up some applause as he is replaced by Sander Berge with seconds left.

Thumping win for Steve Morison's side as Cardiff pick up three big points against fellow strugglers Peterborough.

Joe Ralls, Aden Flint, Jordan Hugill and Uche Ikpeazu goals secure a big win.

Bournemouth hold off the Birmingham fightback to seal an important win to go second.

Ryan Christie, Dominic Solanke and Jaidon Anthony scored as the Cherries shook off their weekend cup humbling here despite the red card for Jefferson Lerma.

Birmingham showed heart and spirit but only had a Onel Hernandez goal to show for it.

Chris Wilder's side still going for it as Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun goes down in the box but his penalty claims are dismissed.

Boro keeper Joe Lumley then has to be alert to tip Chris Willock's dipping effort over the bar.

Will we get a late goal in the only goalless Championship game tonight?

Preston have seen a penalty appeal waved away while Terriers top scorer Danny Ward has been replaced by Jordan Rhodes.

Another penalty cry from Reading as Tom Ince hits the deck in the box, but nothing doing this time.

The visitors have not yielded in this game. But Bristol City holding on.

Isaak Davies, who set up a wonderful first for Cardiff, has come close to one of his own but his bending effort following a nippy run just drifted wide.

Boro are banging on the door as they go in search of three points but the hosts are throwing their bodies in the way to keep them out.