[goldenHuddlestone]

Cardiff saw their lead at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship trimmed to a single point as they lost and nearest challengers Preston won. While Dave Jones men were slipping to a 3-1 defeat at Colchester, their closest rivals were comfortably beating Luton 3-0 at Deepdale. After a goalless first half at Layer Road, Kevin McLeod gave Colchester a 49th-minute lead, but the prolific Michael Chopra levelled the scores on 66.

However, Colchester finished strongest and made sure of a sixth successive home win courtesy of goals from Jamie Guy (84) and Jamie Curetons penalty (90) - awarded following a professional foul by Stephen McPhail, who was sent off. High-flying Preston continue to impress under Paul Simpson with a hat-trick of unanswered second-half goals enough to see off 10-man Luton.

Graham Alexanders 52nd-minute penalty - from an incident which saw Hatters goalkeeper Marlon Beresford sent off - and close-range finishes from Patrick Agyemang (60) and Brett Ormerod (87) were the least the hosts deserved for a dominant display. Their Lancashire rivals Burnley needed an injury-time header from Chris McCann to see off Ipswich at Turf Moor and retain third place - the Clarets Micah Hyde was sent off just before the end after picking up a second yellow card.

Birmingham stayed fourth in the table courtesy of Radhi Jaidis 75th-minute goal at Plymouth, who slip out of the top six. Wolves replaced Argyle in the play-off zone after a 3-1 win over rock-bottom Southend at Molineux. The hosts led 3-0 by the 22nd minute, with goals from Leon Clarke (10 and 22) sandwiching a rare effort from central defender Jody Craddock (12). Matt Harrold pulled a goal back for the Shrimpers in the 57th minute.

Two goals in three minutes turned the game at Pride Park on its head - with Derby beating West Brom 2-1 to move up to eighth. Richard Chaplows 26th-minute goal gave Albion the lead but Matt Oakley (69) levelled the scores and England Under-19 international Giles Barnes scored his fourth goal in three games in the 72nd minute to set up a home win. At the other end of the table, Barnsley moved out of the relegation zone at the expense of Leeds after winning the Yorkshire derby between the teams at Oakwell 3-2.

Martin Devaney gave Barnsley the lead after 30 minutes - but Leeds turned things round in a little more than two minutes just before the break courtesy of Shaun Derry and Robbie Blake. But Michael McIndoe levelled the scores just past the hour mark - and Brian Howards 76th-minute goal was a fitting winner. Hull are the other team occupying a place in the drop zone - despite picking up a point in a 0-0 draw at Southampton.

Robert Earnshaws 51st-minute goal moved Norwich above their Carrow Road opponents Sunderland, while Sheffield Wednesday picked up their fourth successive home win. Marcus Tudgay took his tally to five goals in four games with efforts after 34 and 55 minutes securing a 2-1 victory over Leicester, who replied through Matt Fryatt (72).

And QPR won an entertaining London derby against Crystal Palace 4-2 at Loftus Road, coming from 1-0 and 2-1 down to do so. Tom Soares (30) and Clinton Morrison (43) had Palace 2-1 up at the break but goals from Jimmy Smith (34 and 69), Steve Lomas (59) and Kevin Gallen (penalty, 66) moved John Gregorys team five points clear of the drop zone.

[theo kawala]

Cardiff really look good this season. I see them winning this season.

[goldenHuddlestone]

Yeah me too. Will add an intrestying dimension to the |Premiership. Will they be the first non-English team in the Prem

[theo kawala]

I know it is a bit early but i really do see them winning or/and getting promoted.

[goldenHuddlestone]

I wouldnt say it was too early

[theo kawala]

They are only 3 points in front remember that.

[Wanderers249]

You cant say tha Cardiff will win althoug they lost to ColU saturday, they are on a good run. If they can stay up in the top 6 all season they will have a great chance of automatic promotion!

[goldenHuddlestone]

No but you can get an idea that they will be way up there

[theo kawala]

For me they will get 2nd or 1st i really dont know which but i hope they get promoted.

[Wanderers249]

I think (this takes sheer b*lls to say this) Cardiff will finish top and Albion will have the 2nd promotion spot. There is a whole bunch of teams who can reach the play-offs.

[theo kawala]

I hope Wanderes dont.

[goldenHuddlestone]

Nothing like delibarate protagonism is there