Championship roundup: Paul Ince leads Reading to victory over Birmingham

The Reading interim manager Paul Ince marked his return to management with a 2-1 home win against Birmingham.

The 54-year-old former Manchester United and England midfielder – whose son Tom is on loan at Reading from Stoke – was handed the reins on Saturday evening just hours after Veljko Paunovic’s departure following a 3-2 win at Preston.

Lucas João broke the deadlock in the 67th minute, with John Swift converting a second from the penalty spot with 15 minutes left. A late own goal from defender Tom McIntyre set up a tense finale, but Reading held out to move eight points clear of the Championship relegation zone.

Bournemouth’s visit to Swansea was postponed because of storm damage at the Liberty Stadium, but Middlesbrough improved their promotion hopes by coming from behind to beat West Brom 2-1. Jayson Molumby’s deflected shot broke the deadlock after 27 minutes, giving West Brom their first goal since 22 January.

Paddy McNair hauled Middlesbrough level on the hour with a close-range finish before Marcus Tavernier completed the turnaround in the 69th minute when he knocked in a low cross at the back post. Middlesbrough sit sixth, two points ahead of Sheffield United and one behind Huddersfield.

Bottom club Barnsley finally got their first away win of the season after beating Hull 2-0. The midfielder Callum Styles gave the visitors the lead in the 24th minute and Carlton Morris added a second in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Barnsley move to within a point of Peterborough and Derby after a second victory in three Championship games.

Viktor Gyokeres struck with a minute left to give Coventry a 2-1 win at Bristol City, edging them to within two points of the top six. Ian Maatsen put Coventry ahead in the