The Bluebirds, looking to claim a victory that would move them into second, twice led through Jay Bothroyd and Craig Bellamy.

However, Taarabt was at his best, following up a spectacular curling effort with a neat finish.

That left Rangers needing just one point from their remaining three games to return to the Barclays Premier League after a 15-year absence.

Lee Williamson and David McAllister scored on the stroke of half-time to ensure relegation-threatened Sheffield United went into the break 2-1 ahead against 10-man Bristol City.

Despite heading into the encounter knowing their fate would not be sealed today, the Blades knew they needed a victory to harbour any hopes of avoiding the drop.

However, their situation looked all the more bleak when Steve Simonsen's own goal gave the Robins the lead.

But Williamson struck to raise hopes of victory before Nicky Maynard was sent off to boost Micky Adams' side further.

And they went into the break ahead as McAllister drove home from 20 yards.

Hull relinquished an early lead as Middlesbrough went into the interval 4-1 ahead at the KC Stadium.

The Tigers, still very much in the play-off race, went ahead in the third minute through Jay Simpson.

Boro quickly turned the tables, though, as Scott McDonald netted twice in as many minutes before Julio Arca added a third.

McDonald then completed his hat-trick on the stroke of half-time.

Derby continued their recent resurgence to lead 2-1 against Burnley at half-time.

Theo Robinson fired the Rams, who have lost just one of their last six games, into the lead but Chris Eagles levelled matters.

Jamie Ward - on loan from Derby - was on hand to restore Nigel Clough's side's lead, netting his fourth for the club.

Swansea, who still have half an eye on the automatic promotion race, were drawing 0-0 at Portsmouth, while Watford led 1-0 against Barnsley through John Eustace's early goal.