Championship round-up: Magath on the brink as Fulham lose again

Fulham boss Felix Magath is on the brink of being sacked after the Cottagers crashed to a 5-3 defeat at Nottingham Forest - their sixth defeat in seven Championship games this season.

The German manager was understood to have been told by owner Shahid Khan he had one final match to save his job and being on the wrong end of an eight-goal thriller is likely to have sealed his fate.

It was a rollercoaster night for Fulham fans at the City Ground as they appeared destined for defeat when Britt Assombolonga netted twice in the opening 21 minutes - the second coming from the spot.

But the visitor's hopes were revitalised when a Ross McCormack brace either side of a Hugo Rodallega goal put the Cottagers surprisingly back in front.

However, the Tricky Trees were not to be denied and Michail Antonio levelled matters before Assombolonga sealed his hat-trick just two minutes later to restore the host's lead.

And with time ticking away Jamie Paterson netted in the 89th minute to wrap up the points and ensure Stuart Pearce's side remain top of the table.

In the evening's other fixture, last season's play-off finalists Derby won a thrilling encounter at Blackburn 3-2.

Ben Marshall got the hosts off to a flyer when he smashed an excellent strike into the top corner with only 51 seconds gone.

But the Rams were quick to respond and Jamie Ward picked up the first of two goals at Ewood Park when he levelled on eight minutes.

England Under-21 international Will Hughes continued to demonstrate why a clutch of Premier League clubs are interested in his signature when he put the visitors ahead on 37 minutes.

Ward picked up his second after the break and Steve McClaren's side appeared to be cruising to three points, though a Rudy Gestede finish did ensure a nervy ending.