Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts both scored twice as Wigan Athletic returned to the top of the Championship table with a resounding 4-0 win over Sheffield United. Ellington volleyed Wigan into the lead on the half hour, then turned provider for Roberts moments later before making it 3-0 before half time. Roberts completed the rout in second-half injury time.
Stoke City, who started the day in first place, fell to third spot after failing to break down a resolute Nottingham Forest. Stoke dominated the game, with Clive Clarke producing a good save from Paul Gerrard, the visiting goalkeeper, while Ade Akinbiyi and Gifton Noel-Williams also went close. However, former Scotland international Eoin Jess almost snatched a late winner for Forest, volleying just wide.
Dean Sturridge scored a late winner for Wolves after they had Kevin Cooper sent off as they won 2-1 at Plymouth Argyle. David Friio headed Bobby Williamson’s side ahead in the second half, but Cooper earned a penalty that Carl Cort scored before being sent off two minutes later. Sturridge then struck with five minutes remaining.
Former Motherwell manager Billy Davies saw his hopes of securing the Preston post on a full-time basis suffer a setback with a resounding 3-1 defeat at Sunderland. Scottish international Graeme Alexander scored an equalising penalty in the first half, but Darren Carter and Elliot made sure of the points. Davies has now won two and lost two games since replacing Craig Brown at Deepdale.