Following some off weeks to allow for Cup action, the teams from Division 2 and 3 returned as they head towards the season end. With only 7 league games per team, the table is close and a win can propel a team up the table.

The first game was a relegation 6-pointer between Leeds and Charlton, as both searched for a first league win. It was Leeds that came out on top after a good battle which leaves Charlton at the bottom. Aston Villa took on Sheff Wed in another must win game for both sides. Villa went 2-0 up and looked to be cruising but Sheff Wed had other ideas as they came back to make it level. A sensational goal from Villa gave the fans hope they had clinched it, but Wednesday scored a blinder themselves from a difficult any to make it level again. Neither side will be overjoyed with a point, but this could be the game of the season.

Luton were looking to get into a promotion spot as they took on winless Wimbledon. Despite some early pressure, it was Wimbledon who shocked the home crowd with an early goal. Some stern defending kept them in the game and they were later rewarded as a second goal snuck past the Luton keeper. The result puts a huge dent in Luton’s promotion hopes with a first loss, but Wimbledon get their first league win to give them potential to get out of trouble as they go 7th on the same points as Leeds. The final game saw QPR take on leaders Man City. With the League Cup final coming up for City, the home fans hoped they would ease up and give them a chance. Indeed City were off the gas but still managed to go ahead first. City slowed to a canter to defend their lead, which could have been risky, but QPR could not score so City were able to take the points and go 2 clear at the top of the table.

It was the mid-season for Division 2 as the teams took part in the Week 4 fixtures. The first match was a battle between the teams sitting in second and third places.

Sheffield Wednesday has surprised many as they rocketed off to the lead of the Division, only to suffer a shock defeat against QPR last week. Manchester City had been expected to win the Division easily, but a slow start with a few draws had left them chasing. So there was everything to play for in the big game.

In a close game, City took the lead with Wednesday scoring themselves to make it 1-1. City continued to push for a winner and were rewarded with a 2-1 victory. It leads Sheff Wed freefalling down the table whilst Man City hit the top spot for the first time.

The second game was an incredible match between Charlton and QPR. The sides were evenly matched and looked like they would score every time they attacked. Charlton took the lead twice, only to be pegged back by QPR. In the final few minutes, QPR scored a third goal to take all three points, leaving Charlton in the relegation places. QPR have turned a few heads as they are only 1 point off the top in 3rd place.

The next game was a thrilling encounter between Wimbledon and Aston Villa. Villa were the current league leaders and Wimbledon were bottom, so Villa should have been the easy winners. Wimbledon decided they did not want that to happen and took the game to their opponents. Villa were strong enough to score on the counter to deny the Wombles in a 2-2 draw. A point for each side does not really help either team.

The final match of the week was between a struggling Leeds United and Luton who are looking for promotion back to Division 1. It was a very close game, but one where the keepers were supreme. Both goalies made excellent saves, with one by the Luton keeper (in the photo) being the save of the day. With neither side able to find the goal, the 0-0 gives a point to each team. Leeds manage to climb up to 6th but it leaves Luton 2 points off the top in 4th.

Outside of Division 1, there were some stand out games from the lower Divisions. Hull City from Division 3 arguably produced the result of the week, as they beat Derby County 1-0. Hull were one of the favourites to be relegated, with Derby looking to return to Division 2. The result has moved Hull from 6th up to 2nd in the table, in what has become a very competitive Division 3. It does not guarantee Hull safety, but it puts them in a very good place to push on for a high finishing position.

With an even bigger move upwards in Division 3, Leicester City jumped from 8th to 3rd by defeating Millwall 4-1. In our featured photo, Crystal Palace continued their run at the top of the table after beating Coventry 2-0. It took Palace a while to find a way to score, but a superb cross was met by a striker waiting on the far post to pop the ball into the net.

Wolves and Oxford produced another draw to leave them both mid-table with 3 points.

In Division 2, leaders Sheffield Wednesday stuttered as they lost away to QPR, dropping them to second in the table. Newly promoted Aston Villa took up the lead after they beat a struggling Leeds 2-1.

Manchester City finally found winning ways as they put three past Wimbledon, who did score a consolation goal near the end. The defeat leaves Wimbledon anchored to the bottom of the table.

Luton Town could only draw with Charlton as their bid to return to Division 1 faltered. Charlton are sixth in the table and playing well, but have bene unable to find a way to win league matches so far this season.