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Championship roundup: Rooney strikes late as Norwich rue Pukki penalty slip

03-Oct-2020 16:28:47 | The Guardian

• Forest slump to fourth straight defeat as Bristol City go top
• Puscas strikes against Watford as Reading keep perfect record

Wayne Rooney rolled back the years with a brilliant free-kick as Derby struck late to earn a 1-0 win at Norwich to record their first points of the season. The 33-year-old captain curled home from just outside the box in the 87th minute to secure his side a priceless victory. It was rough justice on Norwich, who dominated for long periods and wasted a gilt-edged chance to go ahead early in the second half when Teemu Pukki missed from the penalty spot after slipping on the sodden turf.

Bristol City returned to the top of the table after maintaining their 100% record with a battling 2-1 win at struggling Nottingham Forest. City took a 2-0 lead inside 22 minutes as Chris Martin set up goals for Andreas Weimann and Nahki Wells. Forest halved the deficit as Luke Freeman rifled home the hosts’ first goal of the campaign from 30 yards on 35 but, despite pushing hard for an equaliser in an improved display, Forest slumped to their fourth straight defeat.

The League One clash between Oxford United and Crewe Alexandra was postponed after one of the Railwaymen's players was informed they had  tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday morning.

Three teams started the day with maximum points but that became two after previous leaders Ipswich were pegged back in a 1-1 draw at MK Dons. That allowed Lincoln to jump to the summit after they came from 2-1 down with five minutes left to beat Blackpool 3-2. Hull also have the maximum 12 points after edging out Plymouth 1-0.

Newport lead the table in League Two after coming from 1-0 down with 12 minutes left to grab a 2-1 home win over Mansfield. Their 10-point haul is one clear of Morecambe, who also scored late to edge out Port Vale, who had started the day in second spot. Cambridge dropped from first to fourth after going down 2-0 at Exeter.