Bellamy puts Reds in control at half time

Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy, who was cleared of assault charges earlier this week, was on the mark twice as the Reds led 4-0 at Wigan.

The Wales forward found the target in the ninth and 26th minutes. Dirk Kuyt’s strike and an own goal from Lee McCulloch gave the Reds an impressive first-half advantage.

A 37th-minute Gareth Barry penalty proved the difference as fifth-placed Aston Villa led Pompey in third 1-0 at Fratton Park.

Kevin Doyle scored for the fifth consecutive game as eighth-placed Reading went in 1-0 up at the break against Bolton.

John Oster delivered a right-footed cross and Doyle headed the ball back across Jussi Jaaskelainen to give the Royals a 33rd-minute lead.

Bottom side Charlton were on course for a first away win of the season as they led Sheffield United 1-0 after 45 minutes at Bramall Lane.

Andy Reid was on hand to score from close range in the 17th minute after Darren Ambrose’s effort had been parried by Paddy Kenny.

Blackburn held a 2-0 half-time lead over Fulham at Ewood Park.

Shabani Nonda gave Rovers the lead after five minutes and Benni McCarthy added a second in the 24th minute when he checked inside and his angled shot took a deflection and looped into the net.