Striker Lee Hughes scored 11 minutes from time to earn West Brom maximum points against Gillingham and keep the pressure on Norwich at the top of the Nationwide First Division.

Hughes pounced from close range to secure a 1-0 victory, their sixth in a row, which pulls the Baggies level on points with the Canaries and restores an eight-point advantage over third-placed Sunderland, who played yesterday.

West Ham saw their promotion hopes dented after being held to a frustrating goalless draw by struggling Derby at Upton Park.

The Hammers squandered numerous opportunities throughout the game, none better than Brian Deane's free header five minutes from the end, while Derby had an injury-time effort by Manel ruled out for offside.

The Rams remain in the bottom three, but the point will be more than welcome in their bid to avoid the drop.

FA Cup finalists Millwall were thumped 4-0 by Coventry at Highfield Road and slipped out of the play-off places.

Striker Julian Joachim scored the first of his brace after just six minutes and Eric Deloumeaux headed the Sky Blues further ahead six minutes later.

Joachim then made it 3-0 on 58 minutes and Gary McSheffrey's spot-kick (87) compounded Millwall's misery.

Bradford are still fighting for survival after beating Reading 2-1 in an ill-tempered encounter at Valley Parade.

David Wetherall headed the Bantams ahead (12), but Dave Kitson hauled Reading level (25).

Lewis Emanuel scored the winner in the 53rd minute, but then Bradford's Michael Branch was sent off after picking up his second yellow card while Reading's Ivar Ingimarsson was shown a straight red for violent conduct.

Second-half goals by Andy Johnson (55) and Wayne Routledge (87) earned Crystal Palace a 2-0 away victory over ten-man Cardiff.