Batth late equaliser denies Leeds, Portsmouth hit four past Swansea

Danny Batth’s late equaliser earned Blackburn Rovers a point against Leeds United, denying Daniel Farke’s side the chance to go five points clear at the Championship summit.

Pascal Struijk’s late penalty looked to have gifted Leeds all three points after Dominic Hyam tangled with substitute Mateo Joseph inside the box in the 88th minute.

But just two minutes after taking the lead, Rovers responded when Makhtar Gueye’s header was swept home from close range by Batth.

With 10 minutes of time added on, visiting goalkeeper Aynsley Pears produced a brilliant save from Max Wober’s effort, with neither side able to find a breakthrough.

The result saw both sides draw against each other for the first time since a 0-0 at Ewood Park in February 2013.

Farke’s side ended the contest having accumulated an expected goals (xG) total of 1.47 from their 12 shots, though only four were on target throughout the encounter.

But second-placed Burnley were unable to capitalise on Leeds’ slip after they were held to a 0-0 draw against Stoke City in Ryan Shawcross’ final game in interim charge.

The Potters announced the arrival of former Coventry City boss Mark Robins ahead of kick-off at Turf Moor following Narcis Pelach’s dismissal on Friday.

Shawcross oversaw a 1-0 win over Sunderland in his other match in charge, and could have added another win to his resume against Scott Parker’s high-flying Clarets.

In an encounter devoid of clear-cut chances for either side, Stoke midfielder Lewis Koumas came closest to breaking the deadlock as his effort crashed against the crossbar.

Burnley finished the game a man down after substitute Hannibal Mejbri was shown a straight red card after appearing to stamp on Junior Tchamadeu late on.

Stoke remain winless in seven away league visits to Burnley (D3 L4) since a win in 2007 under Tony Pulis, but there are plenty of positives for Robins to take from their display.

At the other end of the Championship, Portsmouth earned a huge victory to move out of the relegation zone, thumping Swansea City 4-0 at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth hit the front in the 22nd minute when Josh Murphy turned Zak Swanson’s delivery past Lawrence Vigouroux after Liam Cullen had given away possession.

The hosts doubled their advantage soon after when Paddy Lane, who scored 12 goals in Pompey’s League One title success last year, netted his first Championship strike.

John Mousinho’s side made sure of the points just after the hour-mark when Ryley Towler headed home after being picked out by Freddie Potts’ inch-perfect cross.

Colby Bishop added further gloss to an impressive display in the 78th minute after good work from Murphy once again allowed Pompey’s number nine to finish from close range.

Portsmouth extended their unbeaten run over Swansea to 13 league matches (W5 D8), last losing against the Welsh side back in December 1960.

At the Hawthorns, a ruthless first-half display inspired by the Baggies’ top scorer, Josh Maja, earned West Brom a convincing 3-1 victory over Preston North End.

The Baggies, who have yet to replace former boss Carlos Corberan since his move to Valencia, went ahead when Maja fired the ball beyond Freddie Woodman.

Callum Styles then put the hosts two ahead following a smart corner routine, before Maja notched his brace five minutes before half-time to net his 12th goal of the season.

Ryan Ledson pulled a goal back for North End after the break, but the damage had already been done as the Baggies stay fifth in the division. Preston, meanwhile, are 16th.

There was an entertaining encounter at Hillsborough, with Sheffield Wednesday emerging the victors in a six-goal thriller against Derby County, as the Owls won 4-2.

Barry Bannan put the hosts ahead before Josh Windass doubled their tally in stunning fashion, finding the back of the net from inside his own half with an incredible effort.

Djeidi Gassama netted Wednesday’s third before Jerry Yates popped up with another goal for the Rams to offer Paul Warne’s side the hope of a late comeback.

But those dreams were quickly shattered when Anthony Musaba restored the Owls’ three-goal advantage as Ebou Adams scored a late consolation for the visitors.