League round-up: Cech mate for Albion as Boro heap misery on Tractor Boys return

Marek Cech scored twice as West Bromwich Albion came from behind to beat Plymouth Argyle 3-1 and lead the Championship by a point. Admitting it had been a hard-fought win, Albion's manager Roberto Di Matteo, added: "We are going in the right direction and I think the chairman is very happy we are unbeaten."

Jeremie Aliadière was another striker on target twice as a second relegated side, Middlesbrough, continued their encouraging start, comfortably beating Ipswich Town 3-1, condemning Roy Keane's side to an eighth defeat in all competitions.

Might Preston North End emulate neighbours Burnley in regaining top- flight status after decades in the wilderness? Goals by Neil Mellor and substitute Stephen Elliott were enough to beat Swansea City 2-0. But manager Alan Irvine fears Sean St Ledger will be sold to Middlesbrough.

Leicester City are faring best of the promoted clubs, Matt Fryatt scoring twice to beat Blackpool 2-1. The Steel City sides have started solidly, with Sheffield United looking the sharpest. Matt Kilgallon's header 10 minutes from time earned the Blades a 1-0 win at Derby County, while Marcus Tudgay's strike saw Wednesday draw 1-1 with visitors Nottingham Forest. Mark Robins' first match in charge of bottom club Barnsley brought no respite to the Tykes as Danny Graham's second-half strike earned Watford a 1-0 home win.

Nicky Maynard's sixth goal in seven matches helped Bristol City draw 1-1 at Coventry City, and it ended 1-1 at Queens Park Rangers too, Wayne Routledge equalising after Aaron McLean had put Peterborough United ahead. Elsewhere, Reading were held to a goalless draw at home by Doncaster Rovers, but Crystal Palace were walloped 4-0 at home by Scunthorpe United.

League One

Bristol Rovers moved into third place in the table after Jo Kuffour's injury- time goal forced a 1-0 win in the tight match against Oldham Athletic, but John Barnes is still struggling to get Tranmere Rovers into shape. They led Walsall but Troy Deeney scored twice as the Saddlers won 3-2 .

League Two

Lee Hughes scored a hat-trick as Notts County crushed Northampton Town 5-2. Rotherham United's loss of manager Mark Robins left Steve Thornber in charge and they drew 0-0 with Morecambe. Sammy Igoe scored twice as new leaders Bournemouth beat Lincoln City 3-1, and Paul Benson scored his seventh goal in as many matches in Dagenham & Redbridge's 2-1 win over Chesterfield.