Five things we learned from the weekend’s football

Rotherham United v Hull City action. (Picture: Simon Hulme)

1. Boro mean business

Middlesbrough remain top of the SkyBet Championship after outclassing title rivals Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 at the Amex in Saturday’s early kick-off. It was the first time Chris Hughton’s side had tasted defeat all season and Aitor Karanka will have been delighted that his good friend Jose Mourinho was in the stands to see it.

2. Leeds can win ugly when they need to

Leeds players celebrate the own goal by Alan Browne. (Picture: Simon Hulme)

It was Simon Grayson’s first return to Elland Road since his sacking by Leeds in 2012, and the Yorkshireman will have left incredibly frustrated. It took an own goal from Alan Browne to separate the sides early in the second half, after Preston North End had their goalkeeper Jordan Pickford sent off in the first for allegedly handling the ball outside of his area. A man-of-the-match display from Leeds keeper Marco Silvestri protected Leeds’ slim 1-0 lead as he made a string of outstanding saves.

3. There’s life left in Rotherham yet

Wednesday's Gary Hooper and Ross Wallace celebrate (Picture: Steve Ellis)

Hull City lost vital ground on their Championship rivals with a shock defeat on their first ever visit to the New York Stadium. Millers manager Neil Redfearn had been scathing of his squad before the match, and was left almost embarrassed by the outcome. The 2-0 win lifts Rotherham to within a point of Championship safety, whilst Hull City remain fourth.

4. Fighting Owls can nestle in the playoffs

Sheffield Wednesday came from a goal down to trounce Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 at Hillsborough on Sunday. A brace from Fernando Forestieri put the Owls ahead before goals from Daniel Pudil and loanee Gary Hooper rounded off the rout. The result leaves Wednesday just one point outside the play-offs in seventh. Wolves meanwhile, after their 3-2 defeat to Leeds on Thursday, have conceded seven goals against Yorkshire clubs in four days.

5. Minstermen can celebrate Christmas after all

York City finally put their demons to bed by defeating Morecambe 2-1 in a Roses derby on Saturday. The win was York’s first since September 5 in the league, and their first in front of their fans since August. The win lifts City off the bottom of the Football League and out of the relegation zone, despite being on just 15 points after 22 games.