1 January 1986 - The new year kicks off with Manchester United five points ahead at the top of the First Division, beating Birmingham City 1–0 at Old Trafford. Everton's surge is halted when they are held to a 2–2 draw by Newcastle United on Tyneside. Liverpool are held to a 2–2 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday. The City Ground in the scene of a seven-goal frenzy as Nottingham Forest beat Coventry City 5-2. Hull City move onto the fringes on the Second Division promotion race with a 4–1 win over Barnsley at Oakwell, which dents the home side's hopes of promotion. There are victories for the leading duo of Norwich City and Portsmouth, while Wimbledon remain in the top three despite losing 3–1 at home to Portsmouth. Brighton keep up their promotion push with a 2–0 home win over Crystal Palace.