Thirty-two shots. Sixty-nine touches in the opposition box. An xG of 3.12. Middlesbrough dominated large spells at the Riverside yet lost 2-1 to Millwall, another example of their season-long inability to finish chances. A similar pattern cost them when Charlton beat Boro at the Riverside last month, and manager Kim Hellberg admitted time is running out despite expecting the luck to turn.
For Millwall, the result is transformative. Back-to-back away trips to Ipswich and Middlesbrough yielded four points and two second-half fightbacks, lifting them into the Championship’s top two for the first time this season. Alex Neil called the win “huge” and, with an Easter Monday home fixture against in-form Norwich to come, the Lions’ momentum and a favourable run of fixtures make a first-ever promotion to the Premier League a genuine possibility.
Coventry continued their strong run, edging Derby 3-2 at the CBS Arena after twice being pegged back. Ben Brereton Díaz scored twice for Derby, including a late penalty, but Coventry’s response — particularly the decisive third goal — underlined their resolve. They sit 11 points clear at the top, and despite Ipswich having two games in hand, Coventry look eight points from securing Premier League football for the first time in 25 years.
Wrexham battled back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with West Brom and moved above Southampton into sixth. The point was earned against a team that led twice, and manager Phil Parkinson praised his side’s second-half character and improved quality. Still, with Southampton free this weekend and returning to league action on Tuesday, Wrexham may feel they missed a chance to capitalise fully. Hull also took a point at Oxford to remain fifth, with boss Sergij Jakirovic stressing that his side have everything in their own hands with six games left.
At the bottom, the relegation battle showed signs of fight. Portsmouth drew 1-1 at Norwich — Pelle Mattsson scoring at both ends — a valuable result given Norwich’s form. Oxford also recovered to draw 1-1 with Hull and head to Fratton Park next. Leicester earned a 2-2 draw with Preston at the King Power, with Patson Daka scoring both goals; Gary Rowett emphasised the need for wins and unity as his side fight to climb out of the drop zone. Just one point separates 21st and 23rd, leaving the final weeks tense and competitive.
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