Mendez-Laing scores winner to keep Bluebirds flying high

LONDON: Cardiff extended their perfect start to the English Championship season as Nathaniel Mendez-Laing clinched a 2-1 win at promotion rivals Wolves.

Neil Warnock’s side have emerged as surprise early pace setters in the race for the Premier League and they were too hot for big-spending Wolves to handle.

Joe Ralls converted Junior Hoilett’s cross from the left after 54 minutes to give the Bluebirds the lead.

Leo Bonatini equalised from close range 13 minutes later as Cardiff conceded a league goal for the first time this term.

But Mendez-Laing notched his fourth league goal of the season in the 77th minute as Wolves’ 100% start was brought to an end.

Ipswich are level on points with Cardiff after they secured a fourth successive win with a 2-0 triumph against Brentford.

Martyn Waghorn scored his fourth goal of the season in the 35th minute to put Ipswich ahead and Joe Garner added a second just after the break.

Nottingham Forest continued their fine start to the season by beating Middlesbrough 2-1.

Barrie McKay handed the hosts the lead after 16 minutes and Britt Assombalonga wasted two good chances to equalise on his return to the City Ground following his close-season move to Middle sb rough.

Daryl Murphy, brought in to replace Assombalonga, made Middlesbrough pay with a 79th-min- ute penalty after Ben Gibson, who went on to score a consolation, fouled Ben Brereton in the box.

Conor Hourihane scored a hattrick as Aston Villa picked up their first win of the season by beating Norwich 4-2 to ease the pressure on boss Steve Bruce.

Villa started brightly and Hourihane put the hosts ahead after 22 minutes before Andre Green curled home a second goal just before half-time.

Josh Murphy slotted home on the hour mark for Norwich but Hourihane’s second goal after 68 minutes eased the nerves.

There was still time for Nelson Oliveira to reduce the Canaries’ arrears but Hourihane completed his hat-trick late on to seal a valu- able three points.

Derby striker David Nugent scored twice to leave Bolton still searching for their first win after a 2-1 defeat at the Macron Stadium.

Idrissa Sylla scored a last-gasp winner as Queens Park Rangers came from behind to beat Hull 2-1 at Loftus Road.

Sheffield United secured bragging rights in the South Yorkshire derby against Barnsley with a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane.

Steven Fletcher’s second-half strike secured Sheffield Wednesday’s 1-0 win at Fulham.

Jordan Hugill scored the only goal in Preston’s 1-0 victory against Reading while Bristol City and Millwall shared a 0-0 draw at Ashton Gate. — AFP