NOTTINGHAM FOREST manager Alex McLeish was encouraged by what he saw from the directors’ box as his new team secured a last-gasp 2-2 draw in their Championship clash with Crystal Palace.

McLeish, installed as Sean O’Driscoll’s successor on Thursday, watched his side go behind twice to strikes from Glenn Murray at the City Ground, but goals from Andy Reid and Billy Sharp – the latter in stoppage time – earned them a point.

“They could easily have put their heads down after Palace had taken the lead again in the last 10 minutes but they fought right to the death and that shows great character,” the former Birmingham and Aston Villa boss said.

Managerless Blackburn posted a 3-1 win at Barnsley, sending the Tykes to the bottom of the table and prompting the dismissal of boss Keith Hill.

Goals from Joshua King and Ruben Rochina put the visitors in control at Oakwell and Jordan Rhodes sealed the win for Rovers, who parted company with Henning Berg in midweek, after Stephen Dawson had pulled a goal back.

Rudy Gestede’s early goal clinched a 1-0 home win for Cardiff over Millwall, keeping the Bluebirds five points clear at the summit.

Hull kept the pressure on the Welsh side by overcoming Leeds 2-0 with second-half goals from Corry Evans and David Meyler.

“It’s been a huge month for us. Six games, won five, drawn one,” said Tigers boss Steve Bruce, whose side dropped only two points in December – in a goalless draw with Leicester on Boxing Day.

Middlesbrough stayed third after a 4-2 win over Blackpool, with Boro grateful to goalkeeper Jason Steele for saving Thomas Ince’s late penalty with the score at 3-2.

Ishmael Miller, Richard Smallwood, Scott McDonald and Adam Reach found the net for Middlesbrough with Wes Thomas and Chris Basham on the scoresheet for the visitors.

Watford retained their place in the play-off spots with a 3-1 victory at Brighton. Troy Deeney put the Hornets ahead before David Lopez levelled from the spot, but two goals in two minutes from Matej Vydra gave the visitors the points.

David Nugent’s goal handed fifth-placed Leicester a scrappy 1-0 success at Burnley, while Bristol City boss Derek McInnes urged his side to kick on after their 4-2 home win over fellow strugglers Peterborough.

“It was a huge result for us and one we must use as a springboard,” he said. “I’m certain we have what it takes to get out of trouble in the New Year.”

Paul Anderson put the hosts ahead before Grant McCann (penalty) levelled for Posh, who had Lee Tomlin sent off early on. But a Sam Baldock double and Stephen McManus sealed the home win, with Dwight Gayle’s late penalty scant consolation for the visitors.

Elsewhere, Bolton beat Birmingham 3-1 at the Reebok Stadium. Nikola Zigic put the Blues ahead but Marcos Alonso, Chung Yong-lee and Keith Andrews hit back for the Trotters, before Zigic was sent off.

Charlton and Derby drew 1-1 at The Valley, Danny Haynes opening the scoring for the hosts only for Jamie Ward (penalty) to level after the dismissal of Addicks defender Michael Morrison, while Richard Cresswell and DJ Campbell scored in Ipswich’s 2-0 triumph at Wolves.