Championship Results 17th April Part 1

Blackpool 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Blackpool remain just two points from the play-offs despite losing to leaders Newcastle United. After this game, Newcastle needed just one point in order to be crowned Champions. By now, you’ll probably know if they’ve got it or not.
David Vaughan was again the only Welshman to start for Blackpool, with Rob Edwards again failing to come off the bench. Neal Eardley wasn’t fit enough to be in the squad after all.
Chris Gunter lost his ever-present status for Nottingham Forest when he and Robert Earnshaw were surprisingly dropped to the bench.

Coventry City 1-1 Preston North End
Both these teams needed three points to be absolutely certain of safety but while the point might have annoyed them a bit, they’re probably not seriously worried about going down. Besides, if Sheffield Wednesday failed to beat Sheffield United the following day, they’d be safe anyway.
Freddy Eastwood started for Coventry and opened the scoring after 19 minutes, despite still having problems with his back. Freddy said he’s not threatened by the other strikers as he thinks he’s better then them (of course I agree) and he’s determined to reach ten goals this season. He’s got eight so far. If he can stay injury-free and illness-free I think he’ll get them.
Paul Parry didn’t play for Preston due to a knee injury.

Derby County 1-1 Crystal Palace
Derby were another team who needed a win to be mathematically sure of survival – but Crystal Palace needed a win even more. As it turned out, neither team got to win but I’m sure Derby don’t need to worry too much. Palace’s solitary point meant they were enthusiastic supporters of Sheffield United in their derby match with Sheffield Wednesday the following day.
Robbie Savage got the assist for Derby’s goal with a free kick.

Ipswich Town 1-1 Doncaster Rovers
Ipswich only needed a point to be sure of survival – and they made sure they got it against a Doncaster side who have had a bit of the fight knocked out of them since Blackpool foiled their play-off ambitions. Considering Ipswich didn’t get any points at all until some way into the season, 13th is a great achievement – although they could drop back to 20th if they lose all their remaining games.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich. Manager Roy Keane said he wanted to give him a run-out but all the younger players will have further chances to be involved this season. Of course, there are only two games left…
It was hoped that Doncaster’s captain Brian Stock would return from a back injury but it wasn’t to be. Gareth Roberts and John Oster both played though. Gareth made his 500th career appearance and had a great game. He nearly scored one of his long-range goals too. The Sun named Gareth as Star Man. But if you can’t take the Sun’s word for anything, maybe you could take mine?

Leicester City 4-1 Watford
Leicester still haven’t quite made sure of a play-off place but they’re not far away now. Watford are still just three points from safety with three games remaining. They might have to do something really drastic, like picking up a point or three away from home.
As usual, Andy King played the full match for Leicester with Nicky Adams coming off the bench. It was just a shame Nicky couldn’t score from a great chance – if he had, maybe he’d be starting next week.