Championship wrap: Cardiff slip up, Birmingham thrashed

Championship leaders Cardiff City lost at Middlesbrough on Saturday, while Hull City and Brighton claimed resounding wins.

Championship leaders Cardiff City lost at Middlesbrough on Saturday, while Hull City and Brighton claimed resounding wins.

Kieron Dyer and Sammy Ameobi were on target as Middlesbrough earned a 2-1 victory over Cardiff at the Riverside.

Aron Gunnarsson reduced the deficit with a second-half header but Tony Mowbray’s Boro held on for just their second win since the New Year.

Cardiff’s lead at the top of the table is just five points after Hull recorded a comprehensive 5-2 win at home to Birmingham.

Manager Steve Bruce came back to haunt his former side as George Boyd, on loan from Peterborough, bagged a brace on his full debut, Gedo scored two of his own, while Robert Koren got himself on the scoresheet.

Brighton’s promotion bid remains intact thanks to Leonardo Ulloa, who netted a hat-trick in the side’s 4-1 win against struggling Huddersfield.

Meanwhile, Leeds’ hopes of reaching the play-offs were boosted following their 1-0 win over rivals Millwall.

Stephen Warnock’s 72nd-minute penalty proved to be the difference between the two teams as Leeds recorded their eighth win in nine league games at Elland Road.

Blackburn’s winless streak extended to five games after they were beaten 3-2 by Peterborough, who were led by hat-trick hero Dwight Gayle.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Bolton heaped more pressure on relegation candidates Barnsley with a 3-2 win and Charlie Austin netted the only goal of the game as Burnley overcame Charlton 1-0.

David McGoldrick struck late to deliver Ipswich a much needed 1-0 win over Leicester, while Blackpool and cellar-dwellers Bristol City played out a goalless draw.