Iwelumo’s hot streak continues as Wolves stay six points clear

CHRIS IWELUMO made it 15 goals for the season as Wolves kept their six-point lead intact at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.

Iwelumo scored twice as Wolves beat Sheffield United 3-1, giving the leaders an early advantage with a fine finish from a tight angle following a Michael Kightly cross. The visitors lost goalkeeper Carl Ikeme to injury before the break, Wayne Hennessey taking over before Iwelumo stretched the lead in the second half. Sylvain Ebanks-Blake put Wolves further ahead after 63 minutes, before Matthew Spring scored a consolation goal for United with 15 minutes left.

A rare goal from Liam Ridgewell and a Kevin Phillips header kept up the pressure on Wolves as second-placed Birmingham beat Ipswich 2-1 at St Andrews. Ridgewell volleyed in from close range before Phillips doubled the advantage as he headed in a cross from Sebastian Larsson.

Former Birmingham player Alex Bruce scored with six minutes remaining to ensure a nervy finish for the home side. Third-placed Reading lost more ground on the leading duo as they were held 2-2 at Cardiff.

Reading, who lost to Southampton at the weekend, also ended the game with 10 men following the dismissal of Andre Bikey.

On-loan Wayne Routledge had put the home side ahead before Kevin Doyle levelled for Reading. Bikey was then sent off for his foul on Chopra before keeper Marcus Hahnemann brought down the same player and Ross McCormack converted the penalty. Brynjar Gunnarsson equalised five minutes into the second half but Reading could not find a winner.

Derby drew 2-2 with Preston with all the goals coming in a thrilling first half at Pride Park. Rob Hulse gave Derby the lead but Callum Davidson levelled from the penalty spot following a foul on Ross Wallace.

Neil Mellor put the visitors ahead before Jordan Stewart volleyed home from distance to make it 2-2.

Crystal Palace won 2-1 at Norwich with goals from Craig Beattie and John Oster. Matthew Pattison pulled a goal back but the home side could not find an equaliser.

Goals from Marcus Tudgay and Deon Burton earned Sheffield Wednesday all three points against Blackpool.

Daniel Fox secured Coventry a point with a late leveller at the Ricoh Arena after Jordi Gomez’s fine free-kick had put visitors Swansea ahead. New Watford manager Brendan Roberts started off with a 1-1 draw away to Bristol.