After Norwich's 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest last night, Dave Jones' side went into the match knowing only a win would see them regain second spot in the table.

It took only eight minutes for Seyi Olofinjana to put them in front after some fantastic work from Craig Bellamy.

The game was killed off just before half-time when a Peter Whittingham corner led to a scramble in the box before the ball fell to Jay Bothroyd who finished a simple chance.

Whittingham scored a third to wrap up the scoring.

The relegation battle took an interesting twist as Scunthorpe threw themselves a lifeline and dragged Crystal Palace back into trouble thanks to goals in each half from David Mirfin and Ramon Nunez.

The win at Selhurst Park closes the gap between Scunthorpe and fourth-from-bottom Palace to just three points.

Preston also kept alive their survival hopes, whilst seemingly extinguishing Sheffield United's at the same time.

Former Blades loanee Keith Treacy scored a second-half brace to put Preston only four points from safety.

The winger opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a long-range effort, before scoring another from distance 13 minutes later.

Jordan Slew reduced the deficit for rock-bottom United but substitute Nathan Ellington added a third late on to kill the game and leave Micky Adams' Blades eight points behind Palace.

The play-off fight also saw some dramatic twists as Reading's automatic promotion charge continued with a ninth successive league win, while their 3-1 win means that Leicester's hopes appear over

Two goals in three first-half minutes from Jimmy Kebe and Jobi McAnuff put Reading in control before Noel Hunt sealed the win.

Andy King managed to pull back a later consolation for Sven-Goran Erikkson's Foxes.

Swansea's faltering form continued as they threw away a lead at Turf Moor as an Ashley Williams own-goal and Chris Eagles penalty gave Burnley a 2-1 win after Fabio Borini had given the Swans an early second half lead.

Leeds also seem to be stuttering as they attempt to keep their play-off bid alive. An 88th-minute own goal from Troy Deeney earned them a 2-2 draw at home to Watford.

Luciano Becchio had headed Leeds in front but their vulnerability at the back was shown again as Lee Hodson and Andy Weimann goals looked to have given Watford a great win at Elland Road before the own goal meant they shared the spoils.

Hull are also still firmly in the play-off picture after a Matty Fryatt double led them to a 3-1 victory over Doncaster at the KC Stadium.

Richard Garcia's tap-in gave the Tigers the lead, but Doncaster hit back only seven minutes later through Franck Moussa before former Leicester striker Fryatt took centre stage to score a brace and move Hull level on points with seventh placed Nottingham Forest.

Middlesbrough had Scott McDonald to thank after he headed a late equaliser to give them a 1-1 draw against Barnsley who had Paul McShane sent off.

The Robins appeared to be on course for a first win in eight away from home after a 22nd minute Marlon Harewood goal.

Ipswich won 1-0 at Bristol City despite playing over half of the game with 10 men after Lee Martin was sent off for a late foul on Kalifa Cisse just before the interval.

Josh Carson's strike, his third goal in his last two games, proved to be the difference for Paul Jewell's side.