The Football League have hit back at criticism from Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock (below) over his club's fixture schedule.

Palace begin a 1,200-mile odyssey when they meet Burnley tonight, with further away games at Swansea and Barnsley scheduled over the next six days. But League fixtures secretary David Cookson said: "I understand the frustration and it's not ideal. But Crystal Palace are not the only club this has happened to."

Charlton boss Phil Parkinson admitted his rock-bottom side needed more than a 2-2 draw at Reading last nigh. He said: "It was an excellent performance but we needed a win."

Boss Paulo Sousa challenged Queens Park Rangers to show their character after the 2-0 defeat at Doncaster, saying: "If you want to achieve, you need players who have personality. It's a good moment to analyse that."

Malky Mackay has tipped Watford for a barn-storming end to the season after their 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. "It's great to get five wins out of six and we can feel the confidence now," said the assistant manager.