Championship Roundup: Millwall Ascend to Third, Derby Break into Playoff Contention
In a dramatic turn of events, Millwall staged a comeback to defeat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1, propelling themselves into third place in the Championship standings. Meanwhile, Derby County celebrated a crucial 2-0 victory over Swansea City, securing a spot in the playoff positions for the first time this season.
Millwall's Resilient Fightback at Hillsborough
Sheffield Wednesday appeared poised to claim only their second win of the campaign after Jamal Lowe broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, ending a goal drought since Boxing Day. The home fans erupted in relief, but their joy was fleeting. Millwall responded with two rapid goals within two minutes, first through an own goal by Cole McGhee, followed by Macaulay Langstaff's decisive strike, sealing all three points for the Lions.
The match held sentimental value as Millwall featured former Wednesday captain Barry Bannan in their lineup. In a touching tribute, home supporters chanted his name and applauded in the 11th minute, honoring his decade-long service with over 450 appearances for the Owls.
Derby's Home Triumph Boosts Playoff Hopes
Derby County marked only their second home win of the year with a 2-0 triumph over Swansea City, moving them into sixth place and the playoff zone. Despite Swansea's dominance in the first half, Derby capitalized on two corner kicks after the break. Rhian Brewster and US international Patrick Agyemang found the net, securing a league double over the Welsh side and lifting the Rams' spirits at Pride Park.
Late Drama for Sheffield United at Portsmouth
Sheffield United kept their playoff aspirations alive with a dramatic 1-0 away victory at Portsmouth, thanks to Andre Brooks' 90th-minute winner. This last-gasp success ended a six-game winless streak on the road, leaving Chris Wilder's team six points adrift of the top six. Portsmouth, who dominated the first half but squandered multiple chances, now sit just one point above the relegation zone. Notably, Kalvin Phillips, on loan from Manchester City, made his first start since March last year for United.
Other Key Matches Across the Championship
In a thrilling encounter, Preston North End and Watford played out a 2-2 draw at Deepdale. Milutin Osmajic, returning from a three-match suspension, scored his sixth goal of the season to equalize for Preston after they had taken an early lead through Lewis Dobbin. Watford, under new manager Edward Still, showed resilience in the second half.
Blackburn Rovers began Michael O'Neill's tenure with a 3-1 away win at QPR, lifting them out of the relegation zone. Mathias Jorgensen netted twice, and Ryoya Morishita added a third, providing a much-needed boost for the struggling side.
