Surprise leaders Huddersfield cement pole position

London (AFP) – Huddersfield cemented their position as surprise leaders of the Championship with a 1-0 victory at Ipswich on Saturday.

David Wagner’s side took the lead after club-record signing Christopher Schindler headed in from Aaron Mooy’s corner in the second half.

With Huddersfield defending doggedly, Schindler’s goal was enough to secure an eighth win in 11 league games this season.

Ipswich’s run without a goal extended to over 400 minutes and they have now gone four games without a win.

Huddersfield remain three points clear of second placed Newcastle, who won 1-0 at Rotherham to keep their bid for a quick return to the Premier League on track.

Christian Atsu’s solo strike made the difference for Rafael Benitez’s side as he netted in the 41st minute.

Unlike Newcastle, Aston Villa, who also dropped out of the top-flight last season, have endured a miserable start to their first second tier campaign since 1988.

A torrid run for Roberto Di Matteo’s side showed no sign of improving as Preston claimed a 2-0 win thanks to first-half goals from Ben Pearson and Jordan Hugill.

Idrissa Sylla gave QPR a thrilling 2-1 victory over west London rivals Fulham, ensuring Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink ended a difficult week on high.

QPR manager Hasselbaink had been caught up in the Daily Telegraph’s investigation into alleged corruption in football.

But the former Chelsea striker denies any wrongdoing and took his place in the dugout as QPR won at Craven Cottage for the first time since 1980.

Conor Washington’s first league goal for QPR had opened the scoring before Tim Ream equalised, only for Sylla to win it in the 87th minute.

Fulham had only themselves to blame after missing two penalties, one in the fifth minute through Tom Cairney and the second in the final moments of the match when Sone Aluko hit a post.

Tammy Abraham helped Bristol City come from behind to beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 at Ashton Gate.

Apostolos Vellios gave Forest a first-half lead before on-loan Chelsea striker Abraham scored his 11th goal of the season to equalise after the break.

Abraham played provider for the Robins’ second as he teed up Jamie Paterson to clinch the win.

Brighton claimed their first ever win at Sheffield Wednesday as goals from Sam Baldock and Anthony Knockaert handed Chris Hughton’s side a 2-1 success.

Birmingham extended their unbeaten run to seven games as Stephen Gleeson’s goal gave them a 1-0 win over Blackburn at St Andrews.

Cardiff suffered their sixth defeat in seven games as Jackson Irvine and Lucas Akins helped Burton secure a 2-0 victory.

Meanwhile, Leeds beat Barnsley 2-1, Reading drew 1-1 with Derby and Brentford drew 0-0 with Wigan.