London, Feb 11, 2023 (AFP) - Nathan Tella's hat-trick provided all the goals as leaders Burnley beat Preston 3-0 on Saturday to record their 10th successive win in the English Championship.
Victory kept the Clarets seven points clear at the top of the second-tier table as they look to return to the elite Premier League at the first time of asking following relegation last season.
Tella, on loan from top-flight strugglers Southampton, broke the deadlock 15 minutes into the game before adding two more goals within three minutes of each other in the second half.
Sheffield United remained second, returning to winning ways with a 3-0 victory at home to Swansea.
First-half goals from Sander Berge and Jack Robinson left the Blades in command before Oli McBurnie put the result beyond doubt a minute from time.
Only the top two at the end of the regular season are guaranteed promotion, and Sheffield United are now 10 points clear of third-placed Middlesbrough.
Boro, managed by former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, also scored three goals in a 3-1 win at Cardiff.
Marcus Forss made it 1-0 in the 17th minute before Sory Kaba equalized soon afterwards with a goal on his home debut.
Cameron Archer, however, restored the visitors' lead and Riley McGree's late goal made sure of all three points for Carrick's men.
Millwall moved into the playoff places with a 2-1 win over London rivals Queens Park Rangers.
Duncan Watmore scored his first goal for the Lions in his first start, before Oliver Burke made it 2-0.
Chris Martin's goal for QPR came too late to deny Millwall.
Luton and Watford, both chasing promotion, were held to 1-1 draws by Coventry and Blackburn, respectively.
Sunderland struck late through Patrick Roberts in a 1-0 win over Reading, while Norwich fell to 10th place after Mark Sykes' goal condemned them to defeat by Bristol City.
Jack Whatmough scored eight minutes from time as Wigan beat fellow strugglers Huddersfield 1-0.
Blackpool and Rotherham played out a goalless draw, as did Hull and Stoke.
