Championship wrap: Connolly opens his account for 'Boro

Republic of Ireland international Aaron Connolly opened his account for Middlesbrough as they claimed a convincing 4-1 victory over crisis club Derby County.

Lee Buchanan's own goal was cancelled out by Max Bird, but Boro led 3-1 at the break after quick-fire goals from Connolly and Matt Crooks before Duncan Watmore rounded off the scoring in the 89th minute.

Connolly's goal had a slice of luck about it after he collected the ball with his back to goal in the 44th minute and the Irish striker turned before he saw his shot deflect off Curtis Davies into the opposite corner for his first Boro goal.

However Connolly's performance for Boro deserved that goal as he turned in his best display since joining the club.

Connolly's international team-mate Alan Browne claimed an assist for the game's only goal in Preston North End's 1-0 victory away to Peterborough.

Loan ace Cameron Archer made the decisive breakthrough at the Weston Homes Stadium as North End extended their fine record under new boss Ryan Lowe.

Archer struck his third goal in four starts since his January arrival from Aston Villa when guiding a classy left-footed finish past Posh keeper Steven Benda in the 80th minute after being set-up by Browne.

Fulham strengthened their position at the top of the Championship with a 1-0 win at Hull.

The visitors had to work hard against stubborn opponents but Aleksander Mitrovic's header after 57 minutes was enough to keep Marco Silva’s men six points clear of second-placed Bournemouth.

Siriki Dembele was Bournemouth's hero as his strike with just seconds remaining handed his side a potentially precious 2-1 win at in-form Blackpool.

Dembele – making his first start for the Cherries – sidefooted home deep into stoppage time as Blackpool’s