By Longsider
February 2 2004

Norwich stay top of the division following their victory against Sheffield United over the weekend. West Brom remain second as the top 2 start to pull away from the chasing pack. Iwan Roberts scored the only goal for the game to keep Norwich top and extend the gap between themselves and third placed Sheffield United to 7 points. West Brom are just behind the Canaries as they beat Watford 3-1 at the Hawthorns with Geoff Horsefield(2) and Lee Hughes getting the Baggies goals before Scott Fiztgerald scored a consolation goal.

Sunderland's game with Preston was called off but Ipswich failed to take advantage as they were held by Coventry. Stephen Warnock opened the scoring for Coventry before Ian Westlake levelled the match to give Joe Royles' men a point.

Brian Deane scored for West Ham before Tomas Repka put through his own net to level in their match against Rotherham. Christian Dailly headed in the winner for the Hammers who remain just outside the play-off zone.

Reading put an end to Derby's recent good run with a 3-1 win at the Madejski stadium, Shaun Goated opened the scoring before Steven Sidwell made it two and then the Goat added a third shortly afterwards. Michael Johnson got the Rams' goal.

Stoke City continued their climb up the table and are now close to the play-off places despite being in the bottom 3 for a large part of the season. Darel Russel opened the scoring before Jorge Leitao levelled for the Saddlers, Carl Asaba put Stoke back in front only for Kris Taylor to level again just before half time. Asaba got his second and Stoke's third in the 2nd half and that was enough to give them the points.

Millwall beat Crewe at Cresty Road with Daniel Dichio scoring a brace with Andy Roberts' scoring the only goal for Crewe.

Crowd congestion at Selhurst Park meant that the game between Crystal Palace and former tenants Wimbledon was delayed by over 40 minutes. Palace won the game 3-1 with Andy Johnson scoring twice and Danny Granville getting the other goal. The win was enough to ensure that new manager Iain Dowie picked up the Manager of the Month award for January.

Bradford were beaten at Gillingham and they along with Wimbledon now look doomed. Forest remain in the bottom 3 following their goalless draw at Cardiff.