QPR moved back to the top of the nPower Championship table with a 3-1 win over bottom club Preston at Loftus Road.

Two goals from Adel Taarabt in the second-half saw Rangers take advantage of Cardiff's home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Rob Hulse had opened the scoring in the fourth minute and Taarabt's double put them in control before an own goal by Matt Connolly allowed Preston a consolation two minutes from time.

Cardiff were beaten 2-0 at home by Forest who were inspired by Lewis McGugan.

The midfielder opened the scoring with his ninth of the season with a 23rd minute effort and he then turned provider for Dexter Blackstock to add the second six minutes from time.

Unfortunately for Forest, Blackstock was later carried off on a stretcher with what appeared to be a serious leg injury.

Swansea scored a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at Doncaster and take their unbeaten run to six games.

Angel Rangel struck two minutes into injury time after James Hayter scored his fifth goal in as many games from a header in the 16th minute.

The draw allowed Swansea to close the gap on second-placed Cardiff to three points while Doncaster slipped out of the play-off places.

Derby move into fourth place with a 3-2 victory over Scunthorpe at Pride Park.

Tomasz Cywka put them in front in the third minute before Jonathan Forte levelled in the 37th minute.

Kris Commons restored Derby's lead before the break and Luke Moore made the game safe with County's third just before the hour.

Derby then had Gareth Roberts red-carded for a second-bookable offence in the 75th minute and Michael O'Connor smashed home the resultant spot-kick to make it 3-2.

Leeds had to settle for a point with a 1-1 draw against Norwich at Carrow Road.

Max Gradel put United ahead in the third minute but Leon Barnett levelled in the 65th minute to secure a point for the Canaries.

A 57th minute goal from Michael Doyle kept Coventry in touch with the play-off positions as they beat Burnley 1-0 at the Ricoh Arena.

Reading earned a point in a 1-1 draw at Watford. Noel Hunt put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute only for Troy Deeney to level five minutes before the break.

Adam Hammill's 13th minute goal gave Barnsley a 1-0 win over Portsmouth while Jason Puncheon's first-half strike earned Millwall a 1-0 victory at struggling Middlesbrough.

Robert Koren's superb late finish gave Hull back-to-back wins for the first time this season in a 1-0 home win over Ipswich.

Former England 'keeper David James saved a penalty as Bristol City moved out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Leicester at Ashton Gate.

James saved Steve Howard's spot-kick with his legs and City went in front though Brett Pittman's first for the club.

David Clarkson sealed the three points in the last minute with a stunning 30-yard drive.