Championship round-up

Apr 13 2008

STOKE moved into pole position for a place in the Premiership as sub Liam Lawrence bagged a late winner at Coventry.

Things didn't look good for the Potters when Coventry's Elliot Ward opened the scoring after 31 minutes from the spot.

But former Hearts star Ricardo Fuller levelled with another penalty before Lawrence came off the bench to grab the winner 11 minutes from time.

Boss Tony Pulis said: "Liam was fantastic when he came on.

"We couldn't start with him as he is struggling with a groin injury. The physio didn't even want him on the bench but Liam is such an enthusiastic character and wanted to be involved."

West Brom could have jumped above Stoke with a win in the evening game but drew 1-1 at home to fifth-placed Watford.

Leigh Bromby's early strike for the Hornets was cancelled out by Leon Barnett in 49 minutes.

But despite some intense late pressure Tony Mowbray's side failed to grab a winner.

The point takes them level with second-placed Bristol City who were held 0-0 at home by Wolves.

Hull stayed fourth thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from Michael Turner in their 1-1 home draw with QPR.

And Crystal Palace still occupy the final play-off spot after goals from Tom Soares and Clinton Morrison sealed the 2-0 win that relegated Scunthorpe.

Leicester jumped out of the bottom three thanks to a 1-1 draw at home to doomed Colchester.

Iain Hume's last-gasp goal rescued Ian Holloway's side after Kevin Lisbie's opener.

But Sheffield Wednesday can jump back above them if they beat Plymouth tomorrow.