In the English Premier League, Adam Federici kept a clean sheet as Reading played out a 0-0 draw with high flying Swansea. Federici made a flurry of fine saves in the second half, with the pick being a diving stop to deny Nathan Dyer’s goal-bound header.

Mark Schwarzer played the full 90 minutes as Fulham’s struggles continued, conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 with lowly Southampton. After leading for the majority of the contest, Fulham conceded an 83rd minute penalty which was dispatched by Rickie Lambert, despite Schwarzer getting a hand on the powerful spot kick. Schwarzer had a nervy moment approaching full-time as he failed to grasp Jack Cork’s long range drive before retrieving the ball just inches from the goal-line.

Chris Herd put in a full shift as Aston Villa were on the end of another thumping, this time a 4-0 loss to Tottenham. Herd was part of the back three who were continually tormented by the at times unplayable Gareth Bale, who finished the game with a hat-trick. Brett Holman also played a full game and went close to opening the scoring in the first half but he couldn’t get enough contact onto Matt Lowton’s low cross as the Australian slid in at the back post, however his influence in the second half was minimal as Tottenham controlled the game, piling on four second half goals.

Elsewhere, Brad Jones was an unused substitute as Liverpool lost 3-1 at Stoke City.

In the English Championship, Mile Jedinak found the back of the net, but it wasn’t enough as Crystal Palace lost 2-1 to leaders Cardiff City. Jedinak turned home Owen Garvan’s corner on the volley, tucking the neat finish beyond ‘keeper David Marshall. Palace are now four games without a win and seven points off top spot.

Scott McDonald played the full 90 minutes as Middlesbrough jumped into third, ahead of Palace, with a 1-0 win over Blackburn. McDonald provided the assist for Lukas Jutkiewicz’s 67th minute winner, as the English striker received the ball after a clever turn and pass from McDonald to hit home. McDonald went close to doubling the lead as he got on the end of Justin Hoyte’s cross only to turn his shot wide. Rhys Williams made his long awaited return from injury, playing the second half of the contest as Middlesbrough’s defensive crisis worsened with an injury to Andre Bikey. Seb Usai was an unused substitute for Blackburn.

Elsewhere, Patrick Kisnorbo was absent from the match-day squad as Leeds United lost 4-2 to Nottingham Forest.

In League One, Bradden Inman continued his remarkable start at Crewe Alexandra, making it three goals from three appearances as Crewe lost 2-1 to Tranmere Rovers. Inman opened the scoring in the first half, pouncing on a fluffed clearance to finish calmly into the top right corner from inside the box.

Dean Bouzanis played a full game in goal as Oldham Athletic lost 2-1 at home to high-flying Doncaster Rovers. Bouzanis made two superb saves in the second have and looked to have earned his side a point, only to be beaten by David Syers header in stoppage time. James Wesolowski played 90 minutes in midfield while Alex Cisak was an unused substitute.

Elsewhere, Bailey Wright played a full game as Preston North End kept a clean sheet, drawing 0-0 with Bury. Shane Cansdell-Sherriff was absent from the match-day squad.

In League Two, Aaron Downes scored his fourth goal of the season in Torquay United’s 1-1 draw at Plymouth Argyle. Downes’ 78th minute strike looked to have won the points for Torquay as the Australian stabbed home from close range after having his initial header from Kevin Nicholson’s corner blocked, only for Plymouth to find a stoppage time equaliser.

James Meredith played the full 90 minutes as Bradford City beat 10-man Accrington Stanley 2-1. Curtis Good was absent from the match-day squad.

Elsewhere, Jamie Young played a full game in goal as Aldershot conceded a late goal to draw 2-2 with Bristol Rovers.

In the Scottish Premier League, Ryan McGowan played 90 minutes as Hearts’ stop-start season continued, losing 1-0 to Kilmarnock. Brother Dylan McGowan was an unused substitute in the clash.

Elsewhere, Alex Baird was an unused substitute as Dundee FC lost 2-0 to Celtic.

In the Serie B, Carl Valeri was again absent from the match-day squad as Sassuolo’s lead at the top of the Serie B was reduced to just two points following a 3-2 loss to Livorno.

In the UAE Emirates Cup, Nick Carle played the full 90 minutes as Baniyas beat Ittihad Kalba 2-1, however the result wasn’t enough for Baniyas make it through to the next round. Also missing out on qualifying for the next round was Richard Porta’s Dubai, who lost 4-0 to Al Nasr. Porta was absent from the match-day squad.