Reading sealed promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history with a 1-1 draw at Leicester. Value hunters will have backed Reading at 11/10 but the Foxes took the lead through Iain Hume seven minutes before half-time. However, Kevin Doyle's equaliser five minutes before the end earned the Royals an 11/5 draw and a ticket to top-flight football.

Sheffield United ended their five match winless streak and were amazingly the only side in the top 16 of the Championship to win a match as they beat Southampton 3-0. Phil Jagielka and Paul Ifill netted in the last two minutes of the first half to reignite the 4/6 Blades automatic promotion hopes and Neil Shipperley added a third on 77.

Watford's own automatic promotion hopes were dashed by relegation-haunted Millwall who pulled off a stunning 2-0 victory at Vicarage Road. Carl Asaba on 66 and Ben May injury time earned the Lions an unlikely 11/2 away win.

Leeds lost more ground in their chase for a runners-up spot as they drew 0-0 with Stoke. Leeds were 8/15 jollies before kick-off but poor finishing by both sides meant the game ended all square at odds of 11/4.

Fifth-placed Crystal Palace took the lead through Clinton Morrison after 18 minutes but Inigo Idiakez levelled for Derby 10 minutes later. The Spaniard missed a penalty in stoppage time but hammered in the rebound to earn a 7/5 home win.

Preston North End clung on to their play-off place despite being held to their tenth 's draw backers who profited at odds of 12/5. The match between Cardiff and QPR also finished goalless with both Camerone Jerome and Marc Nygaard missing a gilt-edged chance each.

Play-off chasing Wolves were dealt a blow by Sheffield Wednesday who are fighting for survival in this division. Marcus Tudgay gave the 5/1 Owls the lead just before half-time but Wolves levelled through Carl Cort. Deon Burton put the visitors back in front on 67 and Tudgay fired in his second four minutes from time.

Burnley ended their run of six consecutive Championship defeats to all but end Norwich's slender play-off hopes. Andy Gray gave the 15/8 Clarets the lead after 18 minutes while Michael Branch settled the match six minutes into the second half.

There were draws abound when Ipswich Town faced Hull City at Portman Road while relegation-threatened Brighton & Hove Albion played host to Luton Town.

Rock-bottom Crewe Alexandra won their first game in four as they demolished in-form Coventry City 4-1 at Gresty Road.