Watford’s challenge for a place in the Premier League suffered a blow as they crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Blackpool, while promotion rivals Crystal Palace were held to a 2-2 draw by Leeds.
Gianfranco Zola’s second-placed side were on course to close the gap on Championship leaders Cardiff when on-loan Udinese midfielder Cristian Battachio put the Hornets ahead in the 27th minute.
But Blackpool hit back to secure their first win under new boss Paul Ince thanks to the manager’s son Thomas Ince, who equalised in the 76th minute, and Gary MacKenzie, who bagged the 88th minute winner.
Third placed Crystal Palace would have gone above Watford with a win against Leeds, but they had to settle for a draw at Selhurst Park which left them one point behind the automatic promotion places.
Ian Holloway’s team were ahead after 27 minutes through the prolific Glenn Murray, but Leeds striker Steve Morison levelled in the 56th minute and the former Norwich star struck again 13 minutes later to threaten Palace’s unbeaten home record.
But Murray, the country’s top scorer, had other ideas and the striker’s 30th goal of the season made it 18 home matches without defeat for the Eagles.
Nottingham Forest climbed into the play-off places and increased Wolves’ relegation fears with a 3-1 victory at the City Ground.
Henri Lansbury put the hosts ahead before Matt Doherty levelled, but Lansbury’s second and Lewis McGugan’s late strike, which came after Stephen Ward was sent off, sealed the win.
Sheffield Wednesday picked up an important win and dented fifth-placed Leicester’s play-off hopes as Connor Wickham got the only goal for the Owls.
Marcos Alonso gave Bolton a 1-0 win over Brighton, who had Ashley Barnes dismissed in the dying minutes.
Bristol City increased their hopes of escaping relegation with a 2-0 home win over Middlesbrough. Albert Adomah and Steven Davies got the goals for Sean O’Driscoll’s side.
Elsewhere, Peterborough shared a 0-0 draw with Ipswich, Charlton won 1-0 at Huddersfield and Birmingham came from a goal down to win 3-1 against Derby.
Watford stunned by Blackpool, Palace held
