Victorious Bluebirds top for Christmas

The Bluebirds bounced back from their disappointing defeat against Peterborough as Wales international Craig Bellamy's well-struck half-volley gave them victory over the Foxes.

Bottom side Posh continued their recent resurgence as they came out on top in a remarkable nine-goal thriller against Bolton. Lee Tomlin and Dwight Gayle struck to put the Posh 2-0 up, but Keith Andrews pulled one back from the spot, while George Thorne made it 3-1, only for Andrews to again convert from the penalty spot.

Further goals from Mark Little and Gabriel Zakuani looked to have given Peterborough the spoils, but they were forced to hang on for a 5-4 win after Benik Afobe and Martin Petrov had given Bolton hope of salvaging a point.

Sheffield Wednesday climbed out of the bottom three with a 2-0 win over Charlton. Rhys McCabe and Jeremy Helan grabbed the goals for the Owls, while Charlton manager Chris Powell was sent off at half-time after protesting the decision not to award the Addicks a penalty for a challenge on Yann Kermorgant.

Watford climbed into the play-off places with a 2-0 victory against 10-man Nottingham Forest. Matej Vydra scored both goals for the Hornets, either side of Daniel Ayala's sending-off for a second bookable offence.

Luciano Becchio netted a brace to help Leeds come from a goal down to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 at Elland Road. Lukas Jutkiewicz put the visitors ahead on the half-hour mark but Becchio secured the points for Neil Warnock's side.

Barnsley picked up a valuable three points with a 2-1 triumph at 10-man Millwall. Stephen Dawson put the Tykes ahead before Adam Smith was sent off. Chris Wood levelled with 10 minutes to go but Marcus Tudgay snatched victory for Barnsley with his late effort.

Tommy Smith's goal gave Ipswich a 1-1 draw against Bristol City, after Neil Danns had put the visitors ahead at Portman Road.

Nikola Zigic ztruck late to salvage a 2-2 draw for Birmingham against Burnley. Curtis Davies had put the Blues ahead before David Ings and Ross Wallace struck inside three second-half minutes for the visitors.

Source: PA

Source: PA