Championship Betting Review - 13 February 2006
Reading stretched their lead at the top of the Championship to
12 points with a professional victory over struggling
Southampton on Friday evening. The bookmakers were taking no
chances and the Royals were a best-priced 4/9 to win their third
match in a row and first half goals from Leroy Lita and Kevin
Doyle justified that decision. The Saints are now winless in six
matches and could find themselves dragged into a relegation
battle.
Sheffield United dropped more points with a goalless draw at
Plymouth Argyle. Following their 4-1 drubbing at Brammall Lane
by Watford in midweek, the Blades were 6/5 to win at Home Park
but failed to break down the resolute Pilgrims.
Free scoring Watford hit four goals for the third match running
with a crushing victory over Coventry City. Punters will have
ploughed into the 5/6 available and the Hornets did not
disappoint with goals from Ashley Young, Marlon Kings, Darius
Henderson and Jay DeMerit.
Derby's caretaker manager Terry Westley oversaw his second
successive goalless draw at the expense of Leeds United. With
just two wins in their last five matches Leeds are seeing their
chances of automatic promotion fade.
Preston North End extended their unbeaten run to 24 matches with
a thumping 5-1 win against floundering Luton Town. Billy Davies'
side were 8/11 before kick off and found themselves 2-0 up
through Lewis Neal and David Nugent. An own goal from Tyrone
Mears halved Preston's lead on 82 minutes but he scored at the
right end two minutes later. A stoppage time goal from Claude
Davis and a penalty from Chris Sedgewick completed the rout.
Cardiff City boosted their play-off hopes with a convincing
victory over Stoke City. A rocket from Kevin Cooper gave the 4/5
Bluebirds the lead after 18 minutes and further goals from
veteran defender Neil Cox sealed the points.
Gary Waddock celebrated his first match in charge as QPR
caretaker manager with a 1-0 win against struggling Millwall.
Marc Nygaard's goal after 56 minutes secured a 20/21 win but
Millwall are now seven points from safety.
Leicester City recorded their third win under caretaker boss Rob
Kelly as they edged away further from the relegation zone at the
expense of third-from-bottom Brighton & Hove Albion. The Foxes,
9/5 before kick off, found themselves 2-0 ahead through Patrick
McCarthy and Iain Hume before midfielder Alexandre Frutos pulled
a goal back for Brighton.