Championship Round-Up: Hammers go top after toppling Tricky Trees

West Ham moved themselves to the top of the Championship table with a 2-0 win over struggling Nottingham Forest.

 Mark Noble twice struck from the penalty spot while Lewis McGugan hit a late, late consolation strike for Steve Cotterill’s men.

With Southampton not playing until Monday fellow title chasers Middlesbrough also had a chance to put pressure on the Saints but they were shocked by bottom of the table Coventry.

The Sky Blues, who have improved their form recently, ran out 3-1 against Tony Mowbray’s side, who had two men sent off, but Andy Thorn’s men still prop up the rest of the league.

After last week thrashing Millwall 6-0, Birmingham moved themselves into the play-off places with a 3-0 win over Watford.

Curtis Davies hit a brace while Chris Burke also notched.

Blackpool left it late as they came back to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Bloomfield Road. Elliot Grandin and Chris Basham scored to earn them a win despite Owen Garvan’s first-half penalty.

Malky Mackay’s Cardiff City won a five-goal thriller against Portsmouth with Craig Conway’s injury time strike proved the match-winner.

Robbie Brady scored the only goal of the game at the Madejski Stadium as Hull City beat Reading 1-0.

Ipswich continued their miserable run of form by once again throwing away a lead, this time against Leeds.

Andy Drury had given the Tractor Boys the lead but following Alex McCarthy’s sending off they collapsed with Robert Snodgrass, Ross McCormack and Luciano Becchio netting to make it 3-1 at Elland Road.

Millwall bounced straight back from their 6-0 defeat last week by beating Barnsley 3-1. Brighton defeated Peterborough 2-1 at London Road, while Bristol City beat Doncaster 2-1.

And Burnley and Derby played out a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor.