Table-topping QPR open a lead over rivals
There was a full complement of Championship fixtures last night and they certainly didn't disappoint, as in addition to a few absolutely stunning results (Barnsley 5-2 Leeds, Sheffield United 0-4 managerless Scunthorpe!), unbeaten and winless runs were both brought to an end.
Draw specialists Nottingham Forest finally have lift off after a 2-1 victory away at struggling Preston, with two goals from Lewis McGugan earning Billy Davies' side their first travelling success in over eight months.
Fellow play-off semi-finalists Leicester picked up their first league win under Paulo Sousa against the team that denied them a trip to Wembley in May, Cardiff, with Andy King scoring twice in the second half to end the former joint-leaders unbeaten start to the campaign.
QPR exploited their closest rivals' slip with a 3-0 triumph at third-placed Ipswich and as Millwall drew with Reading and Burnley, Leeds and Norwich all lost, Neil Warnock's men not only moved three points clear at the top, but five points ahead of third in the automatic promotion places.
The Hoops are [3.8] to take the title and one trend that should encourage supporters is that the leaders at this stage in each of the last two seasons - Wolves and Newcastle - have wound up in top spot come May.
Cardiff are next in the betting at [5.5], while pre-season favourites Middlesbrough, losers at Loftus Road on Saturday, are [18.5] despite picking up three points for only the second time yesterday courtesy of a late come-from-behind win over Burnley.
Will QPR be caught or will they prove impossible to budge? Next up is a visit to improving Leicester on Saturday, which they enter as marginal [2.88] outsiders...
Published: 15 Sep 2010
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