Championship roundup: Sheffield United see off Preston to extend lead

Oli McBurnie’s fourth goal in five league games helped Sheffield United extend their lead to three points at the top of the Championship with a comfortable 2-0 win at Preston.

The Scotland international fired home from close range with 15 minutes remaining after Iliman Ndiaye had rifled the visitors ahead just before half-time. The victory for Paul Heckingbottom’s side was their fourth league win in a row and extended their impressive unbeaten run to eight games.

Steve Bruce remains under pressure after a contentious Norwich equaliser cost his West Brom side just a second league win of the season. Bruce had to endure jeers from his own supporters following the defeat to Birmingham in midweek and was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road despite the visitors being the better side.

Dara O’Shea’s header had set the Baggies on course for victory but a first Norwich goal for Sam Byram rescued a point for the below-par hosts, with West Brom furious the goal stood as they appealed in vain for handball against the full-back.

Sunderland substitute Jewison Bennette earned his side a 2-2 draw at Watford with a 87th-minute equaliser at Vicarage Road.

Shota Arveladze is feeling the pressure after Hull fell to a fourth consecutive defeat with a 3-0 loss at Swansea. Second-half goals from Ryan Manning, Luke Cundle and Joel Piroe left Hull languishing just above the relegation zone.

Arveladze, who took over as head coach shortly after Turkish owner Acun Ilicali bought the club in January, said: “I haven’t spoken to the owner. The boys are very, very down. We are on a bad run and we aren’t in form. We need a good day to come back. Yes, I feel under pressure. I will talk to myself about the situation, but on this form it is no