The teams entered the game in vastly different form - the Hoops unbeaten in the league since January 1 while the Lilywhites have not won since December 11, a run comprising six defeats and three draws.

Neil Warnock's side went ahead in the 37th minute when Heidar Helguson swept home Ishmael Miller's cross.

However, the Lilywhites levelled through Barry Nicholson who lobbed the ball over Paddy Kenny.

Robert Earnshaw scored the winning goal as Nottingham Forest beat Cardiff 2-1 at the City Ground.

Billy Davies' side had suffered a shock defeat to second bottom Scunthorpe in midweek.

Today Forest went ahead when Wes Morgan climbed highest to head home Lewis McGugan's corner before the latter hit the bar.

However, the Bluebirds levelled when they were awarded a penalty following Chris Gunter's handball and Peter Whittingham sent Lee Camp the wrong way.

Forest though were back in front when Earnshaw slotted home three minutes later.

Leeds and Norwich shared a 2-2 draw at Elland Road.

Luciano Becchio put Leeds ahead with his 15th goal of the season when he headed home Max Gradel's cross in the 16th minute.

The Canaries equalised on the stroke of half-time when Henri Lansbury pounced on Grant Holt's header with the latter then hitting the post.

However, Norwich went ahead through Wes Hoolahan two minutes later with a left-footed shot but Leeds were back on level terms within moments of substitute Davide Somma coming on to the pitch.

Swansea move into third after a comprehensive 3-0 win over Doncaster.

The Swans took an early lead through Scott Sinclair when he converted Angel Rangel's cross from close range for his 19th of the season.

The south Wales side doubled their lead a little more than five minutes before the break when Ashley Williams slotted home after Neil Sullivan had saved his initial shot with his legs.

Luke Moore got a third after good play by Darren Pratley.

Ipswich and Hull shared a 1-1 draw.

Jason Scotland put Ipswich ahead but the Tigers levelled with a free header five minutes from time.

Reading and Watford also drew 1-1.

Watford, without a win in five league games, took the lead through Andreas Weimann who slammed home the rebound after his first shot had been saved.

However, the Royals levelled shortly after half time when Noel Hunt slotted home from close range.

Struggling Middlesbrough enjoyed a 3-2 win at Millwall.

Neil Harris put the Lions ahead with a half-volley before Boro levelled through Tony McMahon's long-range, dipping free-kick.

Scott McDonald then put Boro ahead four minutes later before the hosts produced a superb free-kick themselves through Hameur Bouazza.

Lita won the game when he glanced home in the 83rd minute.

Portsmouth beat Barnsley 1-0, Kanu flicking home with six minutes to go.

Scunthorpe and Derby drew 0-0 but Sheffield United are in a dire position after losing 1-0 to Darren Ambrose's fine goal and they are now five points from safety.