Huddersfield`s Tommy Smith airlifted to hospital with head injury

London: Huddersfield defender Tommy Smith was airlifted to hospital after suffering a serious head injury during his side`s 2-1 defeat against Leeds in the Championship on Saturday.

Smith`s heavy collision with his own team-mate Joe Murphy occurred in the 90th minute at the John Smith`s Stadium.

The 22-year-old was beaten to a cross by Leeds striker Billy Sharp, who took advantage to head the winner in the Yorkshire derby, before the centre-back crashed into goalkeeper Murphy.

That prompted an eight-minute delay as the concussed Smith was treated on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher.

After the game finished, a helicopter landed on the pitch to take him to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment.

Huddersfield said in a statement later Saturday that Smith had "suffered a head injury" but was now stable after tests.

"We are pleased to report Tommy has been sitting up and talking to members of Huddersfield Town`s staff who have visited him on Saturday evening," said the club.

"Tommy will stay overnight in Leeds General Infirmary for observation.

"Huddersfield Town and Tommy`s family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes. We all wish him a full and speedy recovery."

Elsewhere in the second tier, Grant Leadbitter kept up his perfect penalty record this season as third placed Middlesbrough snatched a 1-0 win at promotion rivals Brentford.

Leadbitter made it eight from eight from the spot a minute before half-time to fire Aitor Karanka`s in-form side back to within a point of leaders Bournemouth, who had beaten Watford 2-0 on Friday.

Leadbitter was a star at both ends of the pitch, blocking James Tarkowski`s goalbound header on the line to ensure they picked up three valuable points.

Chris Martin fired second-placed Derby to a comfortable 2-0 win at Cardiff to move them back level with Bournemouth.

Martin missed a penalty but responded by heading home his 19th goal of the season.

That was after Scott Malone`s own-goal gave Derby the lead at the Cardiff City Stadium that they rarely looked like surrendering and only goal difference keeps them off the top of the table.

Jamie O`Hara`s first goal for Blackpool earned the Championship`s bottom side a 1-0 victory at home to fellow strugglers Brighton.

Millwall striker Ricardo Fuller struck in the 83rd minute to secure a 1-0 win that will pile more pressure on Nottingham Forest manager Stuart Pearce.

Reading defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-0, while Bolton drew 2-2 with Wolves and Blackburn beat Fulham 2-1.

Charlton drew 1-1 against Rotherham, while Ipswich shared a goalless draw with Wigan and Birmingham drew 0-0 with Norwich.