Middlesbrough held by Stoke, Wilder sent off in Sheff Utd defeat
Championship leaders Middlesbrough survived a second half onslaught by second-placed Stoke to extend their unbeaten start in 0-0 draw on Tuesday as Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was sent off for kicking a ball into the stands during a 2-1 defeat by Southampton.
Middlesbrough are now unbeaten in eight league games under Rob Edwards but had to ride their luck at the Riverside to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the table.
Robert Bozenik wasted the best chance to secure all three points for Stoke, who have won just one of their last five matches.
"Clearly second half we were not at our best, so we made sure we didn't lose it. We looked a little jaded," said Edwards.
Sheffield United remain rooted to the foot of the table after blowing a half-time lead with Wilder watching on from the stands.
The Blades took the lead through Tyrese Campbell.
Southampton missed a penalty with the chance to level just before the break as Adam Armstrong blazed over.
However, Wilder still appeared frustrated at that decision as he booted a loose ball into the stands on his way down the tunnel.
Wilder immediately went to apologise to a United fan hit by the ball, but was still shown a red card.
"He is disappointed and was the first to say sorry," said Wilder's assistant Alan Knill.
"It is frustration about a lot of the decisions."
Wilder's mood soured even further when Ross Stewart struck twice in seven minutes to turn the game around.
Leicester edged up to fifth despite being held 1-1 at home by Wrexham.
Nathan Broadhead struck a late equaliser for Hollywood-backed Wrexham, who have lost just once in their last eight games.
The points were also shared between Bristol City and Ipswich in a 1-1 draw.
Birmingham extended their unbeaten home run in the league to 29 matches thanks to Demarai Gray's 99th-minute equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw against financially stricken Sheffield Wednesday.
Swansea were 2-1 winners at Blackburn.
Hull came back from two goals down to hold Preston 2-2, while Derby and Charlton played out a 1-1 draw.
kca/nr