Hull City closed the gap on Championship leader Middlesbrough to two points with a 6-0 hammering of Charlton Athletic.

Abel Hernandez netted a first-half hat-trick at the KC Stadium as Steve Bruce's side ensured that Jose Riga's second spell in charge of the visitor began in dismal fashion.

A 1-0 defeat for Middlesbrough at manager-less Bristol City opened the door for Hull to close in on top spot, while Derby County was subjected to a 3-0 home defeat by Birmingham City.

Bobby Zamora's early goal proved enough to secure Brighton & Hove Albion's first victory in eight league games as it beat Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, and Sheffield Wednesday climbed into the play-off positions thanks to Gary Hooper's brace in a 2-0 win against Leeds United.

Bolton Wanderers remained bottom after being beaten 3-0 at Nottingham Forest, with Bristol City and Charlton for company in the bottom three.

In League One, Burton Albion continues to lead the way after its 2-0 win over Coventry City, with second-half goals from Calum Butcher and Stuart Beavon securing the points for the visitor.

Walsall went second after withstanding a second-half fightback to win 3-2 at Bury, moving ahead of Gillingham, which was held to a 2-2 draw at Doncaster Rovers.

Blackpool moved out of the relegation zone courtesy of a remarkable 5-0 win over Scunthorpe United, with Shrewsbury Town - beaten 3-0 at home by Barnsley - dropping into the bottom four.