Birmingham City's need to bring in a new manager became even more urgent as the Blues suffered a humiliating 8-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth in the Sky Bet Championship.
Brett Pitman put the Cherries ahead after just three minutes and City, who were under the guidance of caretaker boss Malcolm Crosby following Monday's sacking of Lee Clark, were reduced to 10 men soon after when David Edgar was dismissed.Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie extended Bournemouth's lead before the break and the floodgates opened in the second-half as Marc Pugh hit a hat-trick and Tokelo Rantie bagged a brace, including a penalty.
To add to Birmingham's misery, they also missed a spot-kick of their own when Paul Caddis saw his 53rd-minute effort saved by Artur Boruc.
Bolton Wanderers showed that getting the right man in charge can have an immediate impact as Neil Lennon celebrated a second win in three games with a 3-1 defeat of Brentford. All four goals came in the second-half with substitutes Mark Davies and Craig Davies adding to Neil Danns' opening strike for Bolton, with Jon Toral responding for Brentford.
However, Russell Slade's honeymoon period as Cardiff City boss came to an end as the Bluebirds were beaten 1-0 at Millwall, with Nigerian defender Danny Shittu scoring in his first league game since last November to decide the game in the 54th minute.
At the top of the table, leaders Derby County suffered a surprise home loss when going down 2-1 to Wigan Athletic, with substitute James McClean enjoying a double strike after John Eustace had put the Rams ahead.
Watford are now only below Derby on goal difference following their 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough, with Troy Deeney equalising for the Hornets after Kike had opened the scoring.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are up to third after coming from behind to prevail 2-1 at Leeds United, as James Henry and Leon Clarke responded to Mirco Antenucci's first-half effort. Clarke's winner came five minutes from time.
Blackburn Rovers also staged a second-half comeback to beat Nottingham Forest 3-1. The hosts went ahead through Matty Fryatt's 37th-minute effort but Rovers hit back with goals from Alex Baptiste, Rudy Gestede and Jordan Rhodes after the break to take the points.
Down at the bottom, Blackpool suffered a third straight loss when going down 3-0 at Reading. Glenn Murray, a Peter Clarke own goal and a stoppage-time penalty by Nick Blackman did the damage.
Nahki Wells struck twice for Huddersfield Town as they rallied to a 2-2 draw at Ipswich Town after falling behind to Tommy Smith and Christophe Berra goals.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion and Rotherham United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Amex Stadium, with Alex Revell levelling after Joe Bennett had put the hosts in front, while there were no goals in the game between Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City.