Addicks hammer Hammers

Poor United go nine-points clear

Baggies bag top spot

—– Alan Curbishley’s first return to The Valley turns in to a nightmare as his West Ham United team succumb to a 0-4 humbling from fellow strugglers Charlton Athletic in the crunch relegation battle.
After 15 years in charge, Curbishley receives warm applause from the home fans but that is the highlight of his day as Athletic - managed by recent Hammers boss Alan Pardew - give their survival hopes a genuine boost.
West Ham are now six points adrift of the safety mark and their dejected boss offers little hope: “We have got to try and pick up the pieces, but it’s going to be very tough. We are in a mess and need to get some players back and a result.”
The club take the unusual step of issuing a statement after the game to confirm their manager’s position is not under threat. Oh dear!
Despite a below-par performance, Manchester United increase their Premiership lead to nine-points with a 2-1 win at Fulham. Cristiano Ronaldo hits the late winner.
Liverpool extend their unbeaten home league record to 30 games with a 4-0 drubbing of Sheffield United.
Middlesbrough continue to make progress since the turn of the year with a 2-1 win against European contenders Reading at the Riverside.
Watford’s mini-revival comes to a shuddering halt with a 0-3 home defeat to Everton.

—– Following a 1-1 draw at Leicester City, West Bromwich Albion are the new leaders of the Championship.
Derby County lose top spot after a 1-2 defeat at Sunderland. A last-gasp Liam Miller boosts the Black Cats promotion hopes as they move up to fourth.
Birmingham City miss the chance to take over at the top as they slip to a surprise 0-2 defeat at strugglers Hull City.
The division is set for an exciting run-in as the top eight are divided by just four points while just five points split the bottom six.

—– Scunthorpe United extend their lead at the top of League One to an impressive seven points as the equally impressive Iron beat Gillingham 3-1 at Glanford Park.
They are now followed by another unlikely promotion candidate as Yeovil Town move up to second with a 1-0 home win against Swansea City. Before the game, Roberto Martinez is confirmed as the Swans new manager. The former midfielder will take charge of his first game at Rotherham United on Tuesday.
Even without their ten-point deduction, Rotherham would be in dire relegation trouble. Their 0-3 defeat at Northampton Town leaves them eight points adrift at the bottom.
Huddersfield Town keeper Matt Glennon has a mixed afternoon at the Galpharm Stadium. He saves three penalties (one being a re-take) but Crewe Alexandra still secure a 2-1 win.

—– League Two leaders Hartlepool United extend their unbeaten run to 18 games with a 1-0 win at Boston United.
Walsall and Swindon Town stay in touch with home wins against Barnet (4-1) and Chester City (1-0), respectively.