Doubles for Sidwell and Kitson as Reading extend advantage

READING extended their lead in the Coca-Cola Championship with a classy 5-1 victory overt Cardiff. With second-placed Sheffield United not playing Hull until today, the Royals took the opportunity to move further clear at the Madejski Stadium.

Unpredictable Cardiff were caught cold after 11 minutes when Steve Sidwell headed Glen Little’s cross past Neil Alexander. It was 2-0 after 32 minutes when Ibrahima Sonko headed in Nicky Shorey’s centre.

Little produced the goods again six minutes after the break, feeding Dave Kitson who extended the lead before both he and Sidwell scored again to make it five, following Cameron Jerome’s consolation.