Middlesbrough dominated large spells at the Riverside — 32 shots, 69 touches in the opposition box and an xG of 3.12 — but still fell 2-1 to Millwall, another example of their season-long trouble converting chances. The same pattern cost them in defeat to Charlton last month and manager Kim Hellberg admitted time is running out, though he expects luck to change.
For Millwall the result is transformative. Two away matches at Ipswich and Middlesbrough produced four points and two second-half comebacks, lifting the Lions into the Championship’s top two for the first time this season. Alex Neil described the win as “huge,” and with an Easter Monday home game against in-form Norwich and a favourable run of fixtures, a first-ever promotion to the Premier League looks like a real possibility.
Coventry held on to beat Derby 3-2 at the CBS Arena after being pegged back twice. Ben Brereton Díaz scored twice for Derby, including a late penalty, but Coventry’s response — especially the decisive third goal — underlined their resolve. They sit 11 points clear at the summit; although Ipswich have two games in hand, Coventry appear eight points from securing Premier League football for the first time in 25 years.
Wrexham rallied from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with West Brom and leapfrogged Southampton into sixth place. Manager Phil Parkinson praised his players’ second-half character and improved quality, but with Southampton idle this weekend (returning to action on Tuesday) Wrexham may feel they missed a chance to take full advantage. Hull also picked up a point at Oxford to remain fifth, and boss Sergij Jakirovic insisted his side still have everything in their own hands with six matches remaining.
At the bottom, the relegation battle showed signs of fight. Portsmouth salvaged a 1-1 draw at Norwich — Pelle Mattsson scoring at both ends — a valuable point given Norwich’s form. Oxford recovered to draw 1-1 with Hull and will travel to Fratton Park next. Leicester drew 2-2 with Preston at the King Power, Patson Daka scoring both goals, and Gary Rowett stressed the need for wins and unity as his side try to climb out of danger. Just one point separates 21st and 23rd, setting up tense final weeks.
All Championship Good Friday results:
– Middlesbrough 1-2 Millwall
– Birmingham 0-1 Blackburn
– Charlton 1-2 Bristol City
– Leicester 2-2 Preston
– Norwich 1-1 Portsmouth
– Oxford 1-1 Hull
– QPR 2-1 Watford
– Sheffield United 3-3 Swansea
– Stoke 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday
– West Brom 2-2 Wrexham
– Coventry 3-2 Derby