West Brom end winless run in Championship
London, Dec 4, 2021 (AFP) - West Brom beat Coventry 2-1 on Saturday to end their winless run and climb to third in the Championship as Blackburn won again to consolidate their position in the play-off places.
Kyle McFadzean's controversial own goal shortly before the interval proved decisive after Karlan Grant had put the Baggies ahead in the 20th minute.
McFadzean turned into his own net following what appeared to be an obvious handball by Cedric Kipre but there is no VAR in the English second tier.
Defender McFadzean then scored again at the right end, this time with a header from Todd Kane's corner, but it came too late to rescue Coventry.
It was Valerien Ismael's side's first win in five league games stretching back to November 6.
"I think it was really important after the two draws against Blackpool and Nottingham Forest that we keep the momentum going with the performance and to add the last step with the win. We're back on track," said Ismael.
Ben Brereton Diaz scored his 17th Championship goal of the season as Blackburn moved fourth with a 1-0 win over local rivals Preston.
Played in poor conditions with surface water making free-flowing football impossible, Rovers dug deep to edge the derby and their Chilean striker made the difference with a towering header to secure maximum points.
Blackburn are seven points behind second-placed Bournemouth, who drew 1-1 at Fulham on Friday, and visit the Vitality Stadium next week.
Millwall beat Birmingham 3-1 to move within three points of sixth-placed Coventry, while Sheffield United came from a goal down to beat 10-man Cardiff 3-2.
There were also wins for Luton, Bristol City, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest.
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