Second-tier leaders Cardiff extend surprise surge

LONDON: Cardiff cemented top spot in the English Championship as the surprise pace-setters won 2-1 against Queens Park Rangers, while second-placed Ipswich were beaten 2-0 by Fulham.

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

They fell behind when Matt Smith headed home from Luke Freeman’s 15th-minute cross.

But Nedum Onuoha’s under-hit 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% record but that streak was halted by Fulham. Neeskens Kebano headed the visitors in front on 35 minutes.

Kebano was also involved in the second, 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 won 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 and 19-year-old Harvey Barnes, who is on loan from Leicester, made it 2-0 four minutes later.

George Moncur rifled home from 12 yards midway through the second half and the visitors never looked like getting back into the contest. — AFP