Nuno Espirito Santo's side needed a late equaliser to get a 2-2 draw against Hull City, though it remains on course to seal a return to the Premier League.

With second-placed Cardiff City held at Sheffield United, nearest rival Fulham seized the opportunity to close the gap on the Welsh club with a 2-0 triumph over Leeds United.

Villa, meanwhile, swept aside Reading 3-0 but remain in fourth, while Birmingham City moved further clear of the drop zone with a 1-0 result at Bolton.