By Longsider
December 29 2003

Burnley have Norwich to thank for the breathing space we have at the lower end of the table. Their victoy at Derby meant we are still 4 points above the Rams although they do have a game in hand. Norwich actually extended their lead at the top of Division One to 6 points with a comfortable 4-0 victory. The goals from Craig Fleming, Malky Mackay, Paul McVeigh and Leon McKenzie.

Sheffield United were held by Wigan Athletic to a 1-1 draw at Brammall Lane. Jack Lester gave the Blades the lead before Nathan Ellingto levelled 60 seconds later.

Sunderland, who had a loan bid for Robbie Blake turned down, are upto 4th after they beat Rotherham 2-0 with Marcus Stewart getting both of the goals.

Ipswich failed to build on their victory over West Ham and were soundly beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace, who climb above Burnley, at Portman Road.

Marlon Harewood punished his old club Nottingham Forest, scoring an early goal as West Ham clinched a 2-0 victory at the City Ground. Jermain Defoe got the second goal late on.

Player manager Andy Hessenthaler gave Gillingham the lead over Millwall before Nick Chadwick scored for the lions however a Kevin James goal late on gave the Gills the points.

Walsall and Reading shard the points at the Bescot with Jorge Leitao opening for the Saddlers before Nicky Shorey scored for Reading.

Preston drew 0-0 with Crewe at Deepdale and will be disappointed that Graham Alexander missed a penalty late on.

Cardiff suffered their 4th successive defeat when they lost at Watford in the lunchtime game. Peter Thorne had give the Bluebirds the lead before Scott Fitzgerald and Lee Cook got ont he scoresheet to send the Hornet's above Burnley in the table.

Bradford picked up a victory over Coventry courtesy of a single goal from Dean Windass.