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.

Ten-man Watford survived a second-half fightback from rivals Luton to earn their first away win since November 5 with a 2-1 success at Kenilworth Road.

The Hornets looked to be cruising after Darius Henderson and Malky Mackay put them two up within 30 minutes, but Carlos Edwards scored for Luton shortly after half-time and the fourth-placed visitors had to play the final 23 minutes a man down following Ashley Young’s sending off.

Wolves’ indifferent 2005 continued into 2006 as they were stunned 2-0 by Coventry at the Ricoh Arena. James Scowcroft opened the scoring after eight minutes before Wolves defender Joleon Lescott’s own-goal handed the home side another goal.

George Burley recorded his first win as Southampton boss thanks to Dexter Blackstock’s brace in a 2-1 win over Brighton at St Mary’s Stadium.

A rare goal from Kerry Mayo cancelled out Blackstock’s opener but the Saints striker popped up with a late winner. Derby were frustrated once again as they lost 2-1 at Millwall despite dominating.

Derby deservedly took the lead on the hour mark when Seth Johnson headed in Lee Holmes’ cross.

But the Lions showed spirit to equalise 20 minutes from time through Marvin Elliott and Marvin Williams notched an excellent winner.

Norwich’s inconsistency returned as they lost 3-0 at home to Preston.

The Lancastrians stole the lead when Adam Nowland nipped in to beat Robert Green from close range. Graham Alexander doubled the lead with a penalty and David Nugent made it even more comfortable quickly after.

Crystal Palace made hard work of it but beat Leicester 2-0 at Selhurst Park. Andrew Johnson missed a penalty but Jobi McAnuff finally secured victory for Palace when he struck in the 78th minute. Johnson made up for his miss with his side’s second goal in the last minute. Injury-plagued Ipswich were held to a 2-2 draw at Stoke. Jason De Vos and Fabian Wilnis gave them an early lead but Darel Russell pulled one back and Mamady Sidibe headed a second-half equaliser. Sheffield Wednesday’s mini-run continued with a 3-0 win over struggling Crewe. Richie Partridge’s seventh-minute corner was not dealt with and Richard Wood nodded home. On-loan striker Marcus Tudgay scored on his debut to put the game beyond hapless Crewe and Chris McCready scored an own goal with nine minutes left.

QPR and Burnley drew 1-1 at Loftus Road. Chris McCann put Steve Cotterill’s men ahead early on but Rangers equalised through Gareth Ainsworth in stoppage time.