Championship wrap: Vydra double lifts Watford, Birmingham edge Burnley

26 January 2013 18:38

Watford climbed to fourth on the Championship table after thumping Nottingham Forest 3-0 at The City Ground on Saturday.

A goal either side of half-time from prolific Czech forward Matej Vydra and a Troy Deeney strike after 34 minutes were enough to get Gionfranco Zola's men over the line with ease.

The Hornets now move to 49 points and overtake Crystal Palace into fourth place, 11 points behind league leaders Cardiff City.

Elsewhere, a late Marlon King strike earned Birmingham City to a vital 2-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.

The Blues went into the game just five points clear of the drop zone and got off to a perfect start when Curtis Davies struck after 21 minutes.

The home side hit back with Ross Wallace converting a penalty just after half-time before the match turned on its head with Dean Marney being sent off in the 61st minute.

Birmingham failed to make the most of their numerical advantage until the dying moments when King popped up to score his 13th goal of the season and hand Lee Clark's side all three points, a result which sees them move to 17th on the table.

Bottom side Bristol City also left it late as they snapped a four-game losing streak in all competitions with a 2-1 over Ipswich Town.

Daryl Murphy put the Tractor Boys ahead on the half hour but the home side hit back through Steve Davies just after the break to set up an intriguing second half.

With the clock winding down City forward Jon Stead made himself the hero by striking in the 90th minute to move his team to within seven points of Ipswich who sit one place above the relegation zone.

In the day's other games, a Thomas Ince double gave Blackpool a 2-1 away win over Wolverhampton while late goals from Reda Johnson and Leroy Lita ensured Sheffield Wednesday overcame Charlton Athletic 2-1 at The Valley.