Newcastle have leapfrogged Albion to go back to the top of the Championship tonight.

But third-placed Reading could only close the gap by one point as they came from behind twice for a 2-2 draw at Ipswich.

The Royals are four points behind the Seagulls having played two games more than Chris Hughton’s side, who visit Brentford tomorrow.

Albion are two points behind Newcastle with a game in hand.

Matt Ritchie scored the only goal as the Magpies beat Derby at St James’ Park in the absence of injured top scorer Dwight Gayle.

But they were hanging on at the end as Rams looked to give boss Steve McClaren something to celebrate against his previous club.

Ritchie, on target with a header against QPR in midweek, struck in the first half with a deflected shot.

Reading’s winning run ended at Portman Road, where Tom Lawrence scored both for the hosts.

Lawrence fired Ipswich ahead just before the break with a shot which crashed in off the underside of the bar after great work from Emyr Huws.

Jordan Mutch levelled for Reading after the break as they improved on a toothless first-half performance.

David McGoldrick’s superb through ball sent Lawrence through to slot his second under Ali Al-Habsi.

But Jordon Obita levelled again on 79 minutes with a super strike after the clearance of a corner fell to him 25 yards out.

Huddersfield host Leeds tomorrow and Sheffield Wednesday ground out a 1-0 win at Wigan last night.