How Portsmouth's relegation rivals got on in the Championship this weekend, including Hull City and Plymouth

The Fratton Park celebrations were at full volume on Saturday as Portsmouth powered to a 4-1 win over Coventry City to lift them out of the relegation zone. The man of the afternoon was undoubtedly Callum Lang, as he put in a show-stopping performance to net every one of his side’s goals.

Pompey had been winless in their last two Championship fixtures and last suffered a hefty 4-0 defeat to Derby County. But Lang put four away by himself to redeem their latest disappointment, and Portsmouth banked a huge three points as the battle at the bottom of the table rumbles on.

The win puts Pompey 20th in the league table on 20 points, two above the relegation zone as things stand. They have two games left of 2024 before the new year rolls in and could keep their heads above water if results go their way. However, a lot is also resting on those around them. Let’s take a look at how Portsmouth’s closest rivals also fared on Saturday, and what it means for the standings at the foot of the table.

24th: Plymouth Argyle – 18 points

Plymouth Argyle slip back down to the bottom of the table after their latest result but they put in a big shift against promotion candidates Middlesbrough. After a thrilling afternoon at Home Park, the match ended 3-3 and Wayne Rooney’s side came away with a big point against Boro.

23rd: Oxford United – 18 points

Oxford United’s winless run continues after they were sent packing from Elland Road with a 4-0 defeat. Leeds United enjoyed a successful outing to keep the pressure on the top of the table, but Oxford have some ground to make up to secure their safety at the other end.

22nd: Cardiff City – 18 points

Sheffield United secured their place at the top of the tree for Christmas with a 2-0 win over Cardiff City. A second half brace from Kieffer Moore keeps the Bluebirds without a win since November 2nd.

21st: Hull City – 19 points

It was a big afternoon for the Tigers as they picked up an important win to see them move from the foot of the table. Goals from João Pedro and Mason Burstow ensured all three points were secured against Swansea City to mark their first win since October.

20th: Portsmouth – 20 points

Portsmouth head into the Christmas festivities two points above the drop zone thanks to Lang’s masterclass.

19th: Stoke City – 22 points

After a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City last weekend, Stoke were hoping for a positive result against Sheffield Wednesday to put some extra daylight between them and the bottom three. However, even with a player sent off, the Owls stamped a 2-0 win over the Potters.

18th: Preston North End – 23 points

Preston North End threw away an early lead as Queens Park Rangers came back from 1-0 down in the second half. An 89th minute winner from Jimmy Dunne snatched all three points from PNE, who had previously held Leeds United to a 1-1 draw.