01.01.2020 22:09 h

Draw leaves Leeds, West Brom still nine points clear

Leeds remain top of the Championship on goal difference after West Brom defender Semi Ajayi scored at both ends as the top two shared the points in a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies went ahead in the second minute when Ajayi forced the ball over the line from close range in a goalmouth scramble.

But the defender diverted in substitute Patrick Bamford's header in the second half as Leeds salvaged a point.

A share of the spoils leaves both sides nine points clear in the two automatic promotion places ahead of Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

"We should have won the match, but also we could have lost the match. How we managed the game was very good, but there were chances in both boxes," said Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Bielsa also revealed on-loan Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah had been recalled by the Gunners after making only two league starts for Leeds.

"Eddie arrived at Leeds when the Championship had started and had to spend time adapting to our style," Bielsa said.

"He didn't take this decision, but he's a great player, excellent professional and had very good behaviour - a gentleman in every sense."

West Brom boss Slaven Bilic had no complaints with a point, saying: "Fair result. Very fair.

"We had more chances, but if we count they had more possession, we had more shots, more chances. Could have been different if we score the second before half-time."

Ollie Watkins took his goal tally to 17 for the season with a brace as Brentford beat 10-man Bristol City 4-0 at Ashton Gate.

Bryan Mbeumo bagged his sixth goal in eight games and, after City defender Ashley Williams was sent off shortly after, Said Benrahma added a second before Watkins struck twice late on.

Forest's 3-2 victory over Blackburn at the City Ground was secured by Lewis Grabban's double.

Joe Lolley's cross went all the way in after 22 minutes and then Grabban netted from the penalty spot.

Stewart Downing pulled one back before half-time, but Grabban took his tally to 14 for the season before Joe Worrall turned into his own net to set up a nervy final 19 minutes.

Fulham slipped to fifth after losing 2-1 to Reading at Craven Cottage.

The Royals were two goals ahead inside 48 minutes following efforts from John Swift and Charlie Adam and Fulham failed to fight back despite Ivan Cavaleiro halving the deficit on the hour mark.

Sixth placed Millwall came from behind to beat Luton 3-1, while Sheffield Wednesday fell out of the playoff places following a 1-0 home loss to Hull.

Rudy Gestede's first strike since February 2018 and a Ben Davies own goal ensured Middlesbrough beat Preston 2-0 and claim a fourth consecutive win.

Nahki Wells scored a hat-trick to fire QPR to 6-1 victory over Cardiff at Loftus Road.

Two goals from Tyrese Campbell helped Stoke move one point above the relegation zone courtesy of a battling 5-2 victory at Huddersfield.

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