Express & Star

Aston Villa, West Brom, and Birmingham City have spent most time in the lead in the Championship

Only one Championship club has spent more time leading games this season than Albion – and somewhat remarkably it is local rivals Aston Villa.

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In fact, the three clubs who have spent the longest time in the lead so far this season are all from the West Midlands.

Despite currently sitting in 10th place in the table, Villa top the pile having led for 13 hours and three minutes.

That is 32 per cent of their 26 league games so far, more than any other team in the division.

Albion are just six minutes behind their local rivals, having been in front for 12 hours and 57 minutes of their 26 games, or 31 per cent of their time on the pitch.

In bronze position is Birmingham City, another team outside of the top six, who have been in front for 12 hours and 16 minutes, or 30 per cent of their matches.

The figures, compiled by bookmaker Bwin for their alternative half-term awards, show the importance of being ahead when the final whistle goes.

Leeds United and Norwich City are the current top two, but have benefited from a number of late goals.

Unsurprisingly, perhaps, rock-bottom club Ipswich Town have been ahead for the shortest amount of time (5hrs 11 mins).

Bolton Wanderers and Rotherham United are not far behind with 5hrs 47mins and 5hrs 48 mins respectively.

Albion were also found to have recovered the joint-highest number of points from losing positions.

The Baggies have won 17 points after going behind, level with Derby County and league leaders Leeds United.

Wigan Athletic have the worst record from losing positions, having recovered just one point this season after going behind.

Bolton have won two points from losing positions and Sheffield Wednesday have only won three.

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