Bristol City's fine form continued as they earned a 2-1 win over promotion rivals Cardiff to move up to fourth in the table.
Callum O'Dowda put the home side in front at Ashton Gate in the day's early kick-off, before Cardiff pulled level four minutes before the break through Omar Bogle.
However, Bogle was dismissed in the 55th minute for a late challenge on Marlon Pack and the hosts made the numerical advantage count as Aden Flint headed in the winner to ensure the Robins made it four wins in a row in all competitions.
Sheffield Wednesday, who face Bristol City next, netted their second win in a week by beating Aston Villa -- who lost John Terry early on through injury -- 2-1 at Villa Park.
Reading continued in their quest to turn around their season by strolling to a surprise 4-2 win at in-form Derby, who now have Ipswich hot on their heels in seventh after Mick McCarthy's men inflicted a fourth defeat in a row on Preston North End with a 3-0 success at Portman Road.
There was better news for Bolton Wanderers as they picked up a 2-1 win over Norwich that moved them off the bottom of the table.
Nottingham Forest, who had never lost a home match against Queens Park Rangers -- a run of 33 matches stretching back to their first meeting in January 1934 -- extended that record with a comfortable 4-0 win at the City Ground.
(Reporting by Peter Hall; Editing by Clare Fallon)
