West Ham moved three points clear at the top of the Championship with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, while Cardiff boosted their promotion bid thanks to a 3-2 victory against Portsmouth on Saturday.
Sam Allardyce's side took advantage of Southampton's inactivity -- the Saints face Leicester on Monday -- as two penalties from Mark Noble secured the east London club's third successive win.
Struggling Forest scored an injury-time consolation through Lewis McGugan but they remain in the bottom three.
Southampton would regain top spot on goal difference if they beat Leicester.
Third placed Cardiff are only one point behind Southampton following a dramatic win at home to Portsmouth.
Kenny Miller put Cardiff in front from Peter Whittingham's cross in the 15th minute, but the hosts fell behind to goals from Marko Futacs and Greg Halford as Pompey threatened just a second win in 13 away league games.
However, Mark Hudson levelled for Cardiff in the second half and Craig Conway netted the winner in injury time to extend their unbeaten run to five matches.
Hull are up to fifth, behind Middlesbrough on goals scored alone, after beating Reading 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium as Robbie Brady netted the only goal in the 66th minute.
Middlesbrough have now gone four league games without a win after they slumped to a 3-1 defeat at bottom club Coventry.
Gary McSheffrey scored Coventry's opener in the 36th minute and Middlesbrough had Kevin Thomson sent off three minutes later.
Alex Nimely scored a debut goal following his loan move from Manchester City in the 57th minute and Matthew Bates scored a 64th minute own goal from David Bell's cross.
Australia striker Scott McDonald grabbed a consolation for Tony Mowbray's men.
In-form Birmingham moved above Reading into the play-off places with a 3-0 home win over Watford.
Curtis Davies scored a headed double and Chris Burke made sure of the win with nine minutes to go to take Blues' unbeaten league run to six.
Bristol City boosted their bid to avoid relegation with a 2-1 home win over second-bottom Doncaster.
Darius Henderson followed his FA Cup hat-trick against Dagenham and Redbridge with his second treble of the week -- and his third of the season -- as struggling Millwall enjoyed a 3-1 win at Barnsley.
Blackpool scored twice in the last five minutes to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Bloomfield Road, Leeds won 3-1 against Ipswich, Brighton defeated Peterborough 2-1 and Derby drew 0-0 with Burnley.
Source: AFP
