25/04 - 20:00
Reading ended a five-game winless streak in emphatic fashion with a 3-1 win over Bristol City in the early kick-off as results elsewhere helped the Championship playoff picture become clearer.
Reading, who took a second-half lead through Ovie Ejaria, were pegged back late on by Nahki Wells, but an instant reply from Yakou Meite and an insurance goal from Lucas Joao confirmed a much-needed win for the Royals.
The three points leave them two from top spot after the sides above them, Norwich and Bournemouth, both drew. Norwich conceded a late equaliser in a 1-1 tie with newly-promoted Coventry, while the Cherries also dropped the ball against a promoted team; needing Dominic Solanke to secure a point after a double from Rotherham’s Freddie Lapado had wiped out Junior Stanislas’ opener.
One of last season’s playoff sides, Cardiff, closed the gap with their biggest win of the season after a tricky start, beating Luton 4-0, while one side with big hopes of replacing them in the top six, Blackburn, secured a 2-1 win over in-form Barnsley after yet another Adam Armstrong goal.
Wayne Rooney’s first game in sole charge of Derby resulted in a 1-1 draw with fellow bottom three side Wycombe, while Millwall made it five draws in a row with a 0-0 against Birmingham, and Sheffield Wednesday’s tie with Stoke ended similarly scoreless.
