WOLVES boss Mick McCarthy says his team are in good shape as they moved four points clear after the top of the Coca-Cola Championship with a 2-1 win at Cardiff.

The leaders got off to the best possible start with goals from Chris Iwelumo and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake inside eight minutes, and then held on for all three points after Ross McCormack halved the deficit.

McCarthy said: "My two centre-backs, Richard Stearman and Michael Mancienne, were immense at the back and while we didn't sit back and defend after going ahead, we still had plenty to do.

"Up front we probably have the best strike force in the Championship and they are scoring goals regularly."

Alan Pardew vowed to fight on after Charlton fans called for his head during their 3-1 home defeat by Barnsley.

Charlton, who were expected to challenge for promotion, found themselves behind after only two minutes, and 3-0 down at half-time and are now in the relegation zone.

Pardew said: "Sometimes in a season there are benchmarks when you have to make decisions and this is a tough week for me."

Southampton manager Jan Poortvliet hailed his young guns after they fought back from two down to defeat Preston 3-2.

David McGoldrick sealed the points in the last minute of normal time after Alex Pearce and Andrew Surman had pulled Saints level.

Poortvliet said: "I'm very proud of the boys. The average age of our players was about 19. We have two home games coming up and hopefully we can now bring it home."

Burnley manager Owen Coyle paid tribute to Robbie Blake and Chris Eagles after the duo masterminded Norwich's 2-0 defeat at Turf Moor. Veteran striker Blake was in inspirational form, laying on two second-half goals for Eagles as the Clarets underlined their promotion credentials.

"I thought they were both outstanding," said Coyle.

"Robbie has been chomping at the bit and had a point to prove today, which he did. We all know the quality he has.

"As for Chris, the quality of his goals was there for all to see."

Blackpool claimed a dramatic win as Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Alan Gow scored in the last five minutes to secure a 4-3 success at Watford after the Hornets had led three times.

James Beattie tucked home a 49th-minute penalty and then doubled his tally eight minutes later as Sheffield United beat Plymouth 2-0.

A Jon Stead double saw Ipswich beat QPR by the same scoreline, while bottom side Doncaster claimed a point by holding Swansea to a goalless draw.

Ben Watson's 54th-minute penalty for Crystal Palace ensured a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, who had led since Leon Clarke's seventh-minute effort.