Eds Tips

Manchester United stormed nine points clear at the top of the table, Charlton Athletic won their vital relegation tussle against West Ham United and Reading lost their first match of 2007 at Middlesbrough

West Bromwich Albion went top of the table despite being held at Leicester City while Cardiff City returned to the play off places after crushing Preston North End at Ninian Park.

Scunthorpe United won their fifth in a row and went seven points clear at the top of the table after beating Gillingham 3-1 but Cheltenham Town’s survival hopes were dealt a blow after they lost at home to Carlisle United.

Hartlepool United remain top of the table and stretched their unbeaten run to 18 matches after a narrow win at Boston United while Walsall ended their blip in form with a comprehensive 4-1 win against Barnet.

Newcastle United eased past Zulte-Waregem, Rangers crushed Hapoel Tel Aviv but Blackburn Rovers bowed out against Bayer Leverkusen.

Chelsea look set to win the Carling Cup while Charlton square off against West Ham in a relegation six pointer this weekend writes David Walker.

Manchester United were fortunate to come away from Lille unscathed, Liverpool shocked Barcelona at the Nou Camp and Mike Riley handed out a record 11 yellow cards in Roma.

West Bromwich Albion moved into second position after a narrow victory against depleted Cardiff City and on Wednesday, Derby County failed to extend their lead at the top of the table as they were beaten at home by Stoke City.

Scunthorpe United increased their dominance at the top of the table after cruising to victory at Swansea City and Leyton Orient continued their revival as they smashed five at Millwall.

Hartlepool United went top of the division after a late winner against Macclesfield Town while Stockport County equalled an 80 year old record of eight wins on the trot.