Mason sends Cardiff seven points clear

Republic of Ireland U21 international Joe Mason was the matchwinner as Cardiff stretched their lead at the top of the Championship table to seven points yesterday.

Mason’s 41st minute-goal after an error from home goalkeeper Jack Butland gave the Bluebirds a 1-0 at Birmingham.

Jeff Hendrick, another Ireland U21 international, was also among the goals yesterday, scoring the second of Derby’s goals in their 3-1 win over Middlesbrough.

Conor Sammon netted the Rams’ third.

Elsewhere, Keith Treacy came off the bench to inspire Burnley to a 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Treacy hit the opening goal just after the hour mark, and it was his cross which Lewis Buxton handled to give away a penalty that Ross Wallace converted to complete the scoring.

Clarets manager Sean Dyche was impressed with the Irish winger’s display.

He said: “It’s good to see him enjoying his football. He was a very young, really well-thought-of talent at Blackburn. He has those moments of quality, that inner belief to deal with the ball on nearly every occasion. ’’

In League One, it was a big day for James Collins as the Ireland U21 international scored four times in a devastating 22-minute spell to inspire Swindon to a 5-0 win over Portsmouth.