A reduced EFL schedule didn't mean a reduction in drama - the goals flew in on an action-packed Saturday afternoon.
It’s no win in three matches for Sheffield United after coming away empty-handed from Millwall, where the hosts were superb in a 3-1 win. It was the Lions' first victory in six matches after going throughout November without picking up three points.
#EFL RESULT OF THE DAY:
— EFL (@EFL) December 2, 2017
New month, fresh start for @MillwallFC. They were without victory in November, but started December with a win over @SUFC_tweets. pic.twitter.com/skH4oOO2G8
Derby County left it late but did enough to pick up the win over rivals Burton Albion, with Johnny Russell's 82nd-minute strike settling matters at Pride Park.
Ipswich Town made it two wins in a week after coming out on the right side of a six-goal thriller with Nottingham Forest. The Tractor Boys twice gave up the lead, before second-half goals from Martyn Waghorn and Bersant Celina saw them to a 4-2 triumph at Portman Road.
Two West London rivals clashed at Griffin Park, where it was Brentford that emerged victorious. Quickly banishing memories of their Monday night collapse against QPR, Dean Smith's side fought from a goal down to beat fellow foes Fulham 3-1.
It isn’t getting any easier for Sunderland under Chris Coleman, despite his win in midweek at Burton. The 10-man Black Cats were beaten 3-1 at home by Jaap Stam’s Reading — the Royals were helped by Mo Barrow netting twice in the space of three second-half minutes.
That was also the scoreline at the Macron Stadium, where Bolton Wanderers achieved all three points and climbed out of the relegation zone with victory over Barnsley. A Gary Madine brace and a goal from Mark Little means it's now four unbeaten at home for the Trotters, including three wins.
#EFL STAR OF THE DAY:@OfficialBWFC’s Gary Madine was at the double. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/uCUXJyhA4f
— EFL (@EFL) December 2, 2017
Hull City rescued a late, late point against Sheffield Wednesday, but that wasn't enough for head coach Leonid Slutsky to save his job. The Tigers were in front prior to Gary Hooper's double, but Michael Dawson's stoppage-time effort secured a share of the spoils at Hillsborough. However, the Russian departed Sunday evening leaving the club 20th in the standings.
In the day’s evening kick-off, Bristol City maintained their impressive home form by seeing off Garry Monk’s Middlesbrough. Second-half goals from Joe Bryan and Jamie Paterson provided the platform for a 2-1 triumph.
GOAL: #BristolCity 2-0 Middlesbrough, Paterson 55. #BRCvMID pic.twitter.com/Vu8QoXwXSl
— Bristol City FC (@bcfctweets) December 2, 2017
On Monday night, Wolverhampton Wanderers got the better of Birmingham City at St. Andrew's, with Leo Bonatini's strike proving to be the difference in a 1-0 away victory for the league leaders.
Friday night football: Click here for a review of the action
There were only two fixtures in Sky Bet League One this weekend, with the majority of sides being involved in the FA Cup.
Bristol Rovers returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Rotherham United, despite going a goal down. Ellis Harrison and Liam Sercombe provided a much-needed three points against the Millers, who had top scorer Kieffer Moore dismissed.
In the day’s other fixture, Southend United were comfortable 2-0 victors over Oldham Athletic. Jason Demetriou and Josh Wright scored either side of half-time to give the Shrimpers victory at Roots Hall.
Results:
Bristol Rovers 2-1 Rotherham United
Southend United 2-0 Oldham Athletic