10-man Newcastle go back to the top October 25, 2009
Newcastle's 10 men returned to the top of the Championship in dramatic fashion as Kevin Nolan's last minute strike clinched a 2-1 victory over Doncaster on Saturday.
Chris Hughton's team had failed to win any of their previous four matches and they looked in trouble again when defender Zurab Khizanishvili was sent off in the closing stages with the score level.
But the fallen giants enjoyed a day when fortune was on their side for once.
Dean Shiels had put Doncaster ahead in the 18th minute at St James' Park but Andy Carroll equalised after 67 minutes before Martin Woods missed a penalty for the visitors.
Khizanishvili was dismissed for a challenge on Billy Sharp but Newcastle stole the points when Nolan's strike two minutes into stoppage time went in off a post.
The Magpies climbed above West Bromwich Albion, who dropped to third place after a 0-0 draw at Coventry.
Robero Di Matteo's Albion, who have won just one of their last six matches, felt they should have had a penalty in first-half stoppage time when Jerome Thomas appeared to be tripped in the penalty area by Martin Cranie but referee Keith Stroud booked the winger for diving.
Cardiff moved above the Baggies into second place thanks to a thrilling 4-3 win at Sheffield United.
Jay Bothroyd opened the scoring for Cardiff in the 41st minute but Darius Henderson pulled United level within two minutes.
Cardiff then went ahead again in the 45th minute when Peter Whittingham drilled home a penalty.
However the Blades drew level again in first-half stoppage time as Henderson headed his second goal of the game.
Whittingham scored twice more in the 60th and 85th minutes to put Cardiff in control.
But James Harper reduced the deficit and there was further drama when Stephen Quinn saw a late equaliser ruled out for offside.
Managerless Middlesbrough drew 2-2 at Preston in their first match since Gareth Southgate's midweek sacking.
Southgate, dismissed as a result of Middlesbrough's falling attendances and poor home form, is expected to be replaced by former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan.
But it was Colin Cooper in temporary charge at Deepdale as Gary O'Neil put the visitors in front.
Paul Parry levelled for Preston, then Adam Johnson restored fourth placed Boro's lead before Billy Jones hit a 90th minute equaliser.
Bristol City moved into the play-off places with a 3-2 win at Barnsley, while Blackpool are sixth following their goalless draw with Swansea.
At the other end of the table, Roy Keane's Ipswich are still without a league win this season after their 1-1 draw at fellow strugglers Plymouth.
Plymouth went ahead in the 22nd minute when Carl Fletcher drilled home from the edge of the area but Jon Stead came off the bench to equalise in the 68th minute
Argyle were reduced to 10 men late on when Darcy Blake saw red but held on to avoid going bottom.
Elsewhere, Peterborough defeated Scunthorpe 3-0 and Crystal Palace drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest.
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