Leaders Norwich ‘enjoying the moment’

Unexpected Championship leaders Norwich City are benefiting from a lack of pressure on them, insists midfielder Marco Stiepermann.

Norwich were cruising at 2-0 against second-from-bottom Bolton Wanderers with goals courtesy of Mario Vrancic and Stiepermann, before being pegged back by finishes from Sammy Ameobi and Mark Beevers.

Teemu Pukki popped up with his seventh goal in six games to give Daniel Farke’s side a stoppagetime winner. Stiepermann put that down to the side’s unity.

“Once again our togetherness, our fitness and how we play meant we came up with a late goal,” the 27-year-old said. “There is no pressure for us. No one expected us to be top. Everyone, players and fans, should enjoy the moment.”

Queens Park Rangers manager Steve Mcclaren, meanwhile, claimed referee Peter Bankes cost his side a draw after awarding Leeds United a penalty, which Kemar Roofe converted to claim a 2-1 comeback victory at Elland Road.

Nahki Wells put Rangers in front before Roofe equalised on the stroke of half-time and then took the opportunity to complete the turnaround after Bankes adjudged Toni Leistner had handled the ball.

“It was a poor decision,” said Mcclaren. “It’s cost us a result.”

Sheffield United climbed from sixth to third with a 2-0 victory at managerless Reading. Billy Sharp and Sam Baldock struck late on.