Cardiff ‘cement’ Champ’ship lead

Ipswich fall

LONDON, Aug 26, (AFP): Cardiff City cemented top spot in the Championship as the surprise pace-setters won 2-1 against Queens Park Rangers, while second-placed Ipswich Town were beaten 2-0 by Fulham on Saturday.

Neil Warnock’s Cardiff have emerged as unlikely promotion contenders in the early weeks of the season after a forgettable midtable finish last term.

They fell behind in south Wales when Matt Smith headed home from Luke Freeman’s 15thminute cross.

But Nedum Onuoha’s underhit backpass put goalkeeper Alex Smithies under pressure and his hurried attempted clearance cannoned off Junior Hoilett and into the net to draw Cardiff level in the 22nd minute. Sol Bamba headed Cardiff in front in first-half stoppage-time as the Bluebirds celebrated their fifth league win in five attempts.

Ipswich also began the day with a 100 percent record, but that streak was halted by Fulham at Portman Road.

Neeskens Kebano headed the visitors in front on 35 minutes.

Kebano was also involved in the second just after the interval, his shot being saved by goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski only for the ball to fall to Rui Fonte to fire home from a narrow angle.

Barnsley joined Fulham on six points thanks to a 3-0 win over Sunderland, with two on-loan teenagers setting the home side on their way to a comfortable victory.

Chelsea loanee Ike Ugbo, 18, opened the scoring on 31 minutes

Bamba