Championship roundup: Bournemouth beat promotion rivals Huddersfield

London, March 19, 2022 (AFP) - Bournemouth improved their prospects of a return to the Premier League with a crucial 3-0 win at Championship promotion rivals Huddersfield on Saturday.

Huddersfield would have moved level on points with second-placed Bournemouth if they had beaten Scott Parker's side.

But first half goals by Jaidon Anthony and Jefferson Lerma put Bournemouth in control.

The Cherries' top scorer Dominic Solanke added the third to close the gap on leaders Fulham, who have played one game more, to eight points.

Luton moved above Huddersfield into third placed with a 3-1 win at Hull.

Elijah Adebayo opened the scoring in the ninth minute and he also set up Harry Cornick's 56th minute strike.

James Bee wrapped up the points with a stunning free kick midway through the second half before Tom Eaves netted a late consolation.

Sheffield United's 2-0 win over lowly Barnsley was secured by goals from Sander Berge and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Paul Heckingbottom's side are now fifth after they extended their unbeaten home record to 10 games.

Tom Lawrence's penalty earned struggling Derby a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Coventry.

Reading earned a 1-0 win over play-off chasing Blackburn to boost their bid to avoid relegation.

The Royals now hold a five-point advantage over Barnsley and are eight points ahead of Derby.

Millwall's play-off hopes suffered a blow as they lost 2-0 at Stoke.

Adam Reach's stoppage-time equaliser for West Bromwich Albion did little for their own play-off push following a 2-2 draw at Bristol City.

Swansea and Birmingham played out a goalless draw in south Wales.