With the lead changing hands at the top of two of the three divisions its been another weekend of excitement in the EFL.
West Bromwich Albion are the new leaders in the Sky Bet Championship after a topsy-turvy 3-2 win at bottom side Preston North End. After a goalless first half, Jay Rodriguez's seventh goal of the season set them on the way, and a Ben Davies own goal two minutes after Preston had levelled was added to by Dwight Gayle in the 88th minute. Alex Neil's side pulled another back deep into injury time but it wasn't enough to stop the Baggies climbing to the summit.
Leeds United had been held to a 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night in a game that will be remembered for two spectacular goals. First Adam Reach plundered an outrageous dipping volley from distance, only to see it cancelled out by a stunning strike from distance by Mateusz Klich, nine minutes into the second period.
Middlesbrough were also held to a 1-1 draw at Hull City and Norwich City seized the initiative on the pack to move up to fourth with a 1-0 win at Wigan Athletic, courtesy of a late Mario Vrancic penalty. Brentford also moved back into the top six after a 2-2 draw at home to Reading.
Portsmouth took advantage of Peterborough United being held to a draw by Blackpool with a 3-1 victory away at Rochdale that took them back to the top of Sky Bet League One.
Despite falling behind in the fourth minute to a goal from Aaron Wilbraham, Pompey replied through Jamal Lowe. Brett Pitman's fourth goal in four games then put them ahead before Matt Clarke sealed the win in the 81st minute.
Blackpool's Armand Gnanduillet and Nathan Delfouneso were responsible for frustrating Peterborough, who had led at the break through Rhys Bennett's header. The Seasiders' duo netted two of three goals in eight second-half minutes, Mark O'Hara scored for the home side in between as Posh drew for only the second time this season.
Doncaster Rovers moved above Sunderland – who drew 1-1 at Coventry City in the lunchtime kick-off – into third place after John Marquis celebrated his 100th league appearance for Rovers with a brace as they beat bottom side Plymouth Argyle 3-2. The Pilgrims are still searching for their first win after Matty Blair added to Marquis' goals to outscore the home side by the odd goal in five.
Daniel Stendel's Barnsley are up to fifth and a point behind the Black Cats with a game in hand, after coming from behind to beat Fleetwood Town 3-1 at Highbury Stadium.
Lincoln City continue to set the pace at the top of Sky Bet League Two. They won for the eighth time in 10 attempts, beating Cheltenham Town 2-0.
Newport County remain three points off their pace, moving up to second with a convincing 4-2 win over Cambridge United, despite heading into the break 2-1 down.
A brace from Reggie Lambe had put the Us in control before an injury-time penalty from Mickey Demetriou had given the Exiles something to build on. Padraig Amond levelled matters early in the second period before Jamille Matt came off the bench to score twice in three minutes.
Idris Kanu was another substitute to play a significant part in proceedings that impacted the top of the table. He scored an equaliser for Port Vale seven minutes into injury time that earned them a point, but more significantly, denied Exeter City of all three. The Grecians now head a group of 11 teams who separated by only five points, seven of which are on 16 points.
Stevenage are sandwiched between Exeter and that group , having moved up to fourth with a 1-0 win at Carlisle United. Ben Kennedy the man was on target as they made it four games in a row without defeat. Four was also a magic number for Mansfield Town who inflicted four goals without reply on Northampton Town, a defeat that led to Dean Austin being relieved of his duties on Sunday evening.
