Birmingham and Reading both failed to take full advantage of leaders Wolves not playing by dropping points today in the Coca-Cola Championship.

With Wolves not in action until tomorrow, the Blues fought out a 0-0 draw at St Andrews with Swansea which saw David Murphy sent off for the home side in the second half after two bookable offences.

And second-placed Reading could only manage a draw at Southampton. The south coast side took the lead with just 15 minutes remaining – David McGoldrick drilling the ball home from 18 yards.

But Shane Long's header rescued a point and the result meant Southampton drop into the relegation zone.

The shock of the day was at Doncaster where the South Yorkshire side beat fifth-placed Burnley 2-1.

A Clarke Carlisle howler in the 37th minute presented James Coppinger with a tap-in before Clarets captain Steven Caldwell was dismissed for a rash challenge on Richard Wellens in the penalty area. Brian Stock swept home the 40th-minute spot-kick.

Martin Paterson scored for the visitors ensuring a nervous end to the game for the Doncaster fans.

Managerless Nottingham Forest gave their relegation battle a boost, defeating fellow strugglers Norwich to move out of the bottom three.

Matt Thornhill and Lewis McGugan gave Forest a two-goal lead, before Ian Breckin's 74th-minute own goal gave Norwich hope.

Former Canaries striker Robert Earnshaw made all three points safe with a goal in the final minute, before Joe Garner's injury-time own goal.

Jamie Cureton's 17th-minute strike looked to have put a dent in Preston's play-off push. But the Barnsley midfielder's lethal finish was cancelled out by Ross Wallace's free-kick in the 72nd minute.

Crystal Palace, who at the start of the day were level on points with Preston, lost to an early goal at Bristol City – Nicky Maynard grabbing his fourth goal in three games after just two minutes.

An ill-tempered game at Derby saw Ipswich leave with all three points thanks to a goal in the 14th minute from Jonathan Walters. Walters headed in from Ben Thatcher's cross, before the hosts had Jordan Stewart sent off in the 77th minute for serious foul play.

A late goal by Jay Bothroyd gave Cardiff victory against Plymouth at Ninian Park. His 18-yard strike in the 81st minute ensured Cardiff remained in the play-off places.

Sheffield United came from behind to comfortably beat bottom club Charlton. The Addicks took a shock lead after 33 minutes through Hameur Bouazza but Stephen Quinn equalised in the 66th minute and Danny Webber struck from six yards out, before Quinn added his second in the 80th minute to give the Blades victory.

Sheffield Wednesday lost ground on their city rivals after a 2-0 defeat at Coventry. Clinton Morrison's first half goal put Coventry on track for their first home win in eight attempts, before Robbie Simpson made it safe in the 83rd minute.

QPR and Watford fought out a goalless draw at Loftus Road.