In a thrilling day across the EFL Championship, Portsmouth’s Callum Lang emerged as the star, netting an astounding four goals to spearhead his side’s come-from-behind 4-1 rout of Coventry City at Fratton Park. The result dealt a blow to Coventry manager Frank Lampard, underscoring the unforgiving nature of England’s second tier.
Norman Bassette had given the visitors an early lead, but Lang’s heroics – achieving his first professional hat trick and then some – completely turned the tide. The victory provided a boost to Pompey’s survival hopes, as they began the day in the relegation zone but have now gone four straight home matches unbeaten.
10-Man Wednesday Tops Stoke
Elsewhere, resilient Sheffield Wednesday overcame the first-half dismissal of defender Di’Shon Bernard to secure an impressive 2-0 win against Stoke City at Hillsborough. Josh Windass and Callum Paterson supplied the goals after the interval.
Bernard was fortunate to avoid red earlier for a last-man foul, seeing yellow instead, but his luck ran out with a second bookable offense just before halftime. However, the Owls regrouped after the break, with Windass bundling home the opener from Yan Valery’s cross.
Beadle Saves Penalty in Wednesday Win
Keeper James Beadle then produced vital saves, denying Tom Cannon’s close-range header and follow-up attempt. The hosts doubled their lead through substitute Paterson, who tapped in after tenacious work from Shea Charles. Beadle capped his stellar outing by diving to his left to keep out Cannon’s late penalty.
Hull Ends Winless Run
Meanwhile, Mason Burstow’s superb 80th-minute strike earned basement side Hull City a 2-1 home win over Swansea City, halting a 13-game winless run. João Pedro’s 34th-minute opener had put new Tigers boss Rubén Sellés on course for a debut victory, but slack defending allowed Harry Darling to head Swansea level shortly after.
The Swans looked set to extend their solid recent form with a point, but substitute Burstow punished them for affording him time and space, lashing a swerving effort past the keeper from distance. The win was only Hull’s fourth at home in 2024 thus far.
Today’s action epitomized the unpredictable, enthralling nature of the Championship. Stunning individual displays, spirited comebacks, late drama – this league has it all.
– EFL pundit Ian Holloway
As the campaign approaches its midway point, the Championship table remains congested, with only 10 points separating 3rd place from 16th. If the season’s opening months are any indication, expect the unexpected as the promotion and survival battles continue to twist and turn in the coming weeks.
Here are the key takeaways from a captivating afternoon in the Championship:
- Callum Lang’s four-goal masterclass powers Portsmouth past Coventry
- 10-man Sheffield Wednesday digs deep to defeat Stoke 2-0
- James Beadle’s penalty save seals Wednesday’s triumph
- Late Mason Burstow strike ends Hull’s 13-match winless run
The Championship rarely fails to deliver excitement, and today was no exception. As the fixture list churns on, each matchday brings new heroes, fresh drama, and intriguing subplots. Buckle up – there are plenty more thrills and spills in store as this compelling campaign unfolds.
