26.01.2019 21:08 h

Leeds' promotion push back on track with Rotherham win

Mateusz Klich bagged a second-half double as Leeds came from behind to beat Rotherham 2-1 and extend their lead at the top of the Championship to three points as closest challengers Norwich and Sheffield United played out a 2-2 draw.

Amid the furore caused by Marcelo Bielsa's revelation he had spied on each of his Championship opponents training sessions this season, Leeds' promotion push had stumbled of late with three defeats in their previous four outings.

Another bad day seemed set to follow when they fell behind to Semi Ajayi's thunderbolt from 25 yards out after 28 minutes.

However, Klich struck early and late in the second period for his first goals since October.

"It was a necessary win, but we still have many games to play," said Bielsa.

"In the first-half, we didn't create any chances. The first goal had a positive impact on the team."

Leeds now have a six-point cushion in the battle for automatic promotion as third-placed Sheffield United remain three points adrift of Norwich after a four-goal thriller at Carrow Road.

"I think both teams got their fair reward today," said Norwich manager Daniel Farke.

"There were two high quality sides out there. It was a really good match, played in an excellent atmosphere, and in the end I think it was a fair result."

Norwich went ahead after 11 minutes when Onel Hernandez calmly finished between the legs of visiting goalkeeper Dean Henderson, but the Blades drew level on the stroke of half-time through Billy Sharp's penalty.

Teemu Pukki restored the Canaries' lead when he flicked beyond Henderson before the hour, but Sharp bagged his 19th of the season when he headed home in the 79th minute.

"We came here to win the game but I'll take a point -- it was important we got something out of the game," said Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder.

Blackburn leapfrogged Hull and moved to within three points of the playoff places after a comprehensive 3-0 victory at Ewood Park.

Aston Villa are just a point behind Blackburn after the in-form Tammy Abraham's double helped them overcome rock-bottom Ipswich 2-1.

"Abraham is enjoying his football. He always has a smile on his face and he has proved again that he is a Premier League goalscorer playing in the Championship," said Villa boss Dean Smith.

Martin O'Neill claimed his first win as Nottingham Forest manager as they saw off struggling Wigan 3-1.

Alan Browne and Brad Potts inflicted another afternoon to forget for Stoke as Preston claimed a 2-0 win at the bet365 Stadium.