Championship roundup: Watford run riot, Leeds close gap behind Sunderland

Vakoun Bayo struck four times as Watford crushed Sheffield Wednesday 6-2 to move into the Championship play-off places on Saturday.

The Hornets ran riot at Hillsborough thanks to a second half goal-spree from Ivory Coast forward Bayo.

Michael Smith cancelled out Ryan Porteous' opener but Watford restored their lead through penalties from Tom Ince and Bayo.

Bayo bagged his hat-trick either side of Pol Valentin's goal for the Owls before netting his fourth in the 88th minute.

The Hornets sit fifth in the table, seven points adrift of leaders Sunderland who were held to a goalless draw at QPR.

The Black Cats were reduced to 10 when Jobe Bellingham -- brother of Real Madrid star Jude -- was sent off.

Second-placed Leeds are three points behind Sunderland after beating Wayne Rooney's lowly Plymouth 3-0.

Dan James, Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson struck in the first half at Elland Road.

Third-placed Sheffield United's 2-0 victory at Blackburn was secured by goals from Harrison Burrows and Tyrese Campbell.

Callum O'Dowda's stoppage-time strike snatched three points for Cardiff as they beat Norwich 2-1.

Callum Robinson scored in the 89th minute to level after Borja Sainz's opener before O'Dowda struck moments later to lift Cardiff three points clear of the relegation zone.

Bristol City are eight games unbeaten after defeating Preston 3-1.

Sam Greenwood levelled after Yu Hirakawa's early goal for City.

But Nahki Wells instantly restored the advantage for City and Max Bird wrapped up the points.

Coventry enjoyed a 3-0 win over 10-man Middlesbrough, who had Hayden Hackney sent off in the first half.

The Sky Blues took advantage with goals from Bobby Thomas, Haji Wright and Josh Eccles.

Ben Gibson scored a late winner for Stoke to beat Derby 2-1, while goals from Zan Vipotnik and Florian Bianchini led Swansea to a 2-1 win against Oxford.

Bottom-of-the-table Portsmouth earned a 1-1 draw at Hull.