Championship Betting Review - 5 February 2006
Reading saw off rock-bottom Crewe to set a 31-match unbeaten record for the second tier of English football. Reading have not lost a league match since their opening day defeat against Plymouth and even at 2/5 will have had plenty of support from punters. Crewe managed to take the lead after 14 minutes but found themselves 3-1 behind at the break, with Reading edging the match 4-3 at full time.
Leeds United maintained their position in third place with a 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers. Leeds, who had won their last three fixtures at Elland Road, could be backed at 4/6 and goals from Richard Cresswell and Paul Butler sealed all three points.
Aki Riihilahti marked his first start for Crystal Palace since September with the winning goal against Cardiff City. Palace, at 4/5 took the lead after 70 minutes and an equaliser for Cameron Jerome was disallowed for an earlier foul.
Preston were the only play-off team to slip up, being held to a goalless draw at Stoke. North End, now unbeaten in 22 matches, will have disappointed backers at 7/5 after Paul McKenna missed a penalty with three minutes remaining.
Luton let an early lead against visitors Hull slip, with the Tigers winning at large 10/3 odds. Keith Keane gave Mike Newells side the lead after eight minutes but Hull fought back with goals from Stuart Elliott, Daryl Duffy and Jon Parkin to lead 3-1 at half time. Chris Coyne headed in a second for Luton with four minutes left to set up a tense finale.
Managerless Leicester edged out of the bottom three with an unlikely 9/5 win over play-off chasers Wolves. Matty Fryatts goal in the 70 minute earned the Foxes their first back-to-back victory of the season and their first home win in six attempts.
Sheffield Wednesday boosted their battle against the drop with a win at Millwall. Frank Simeks goal secured a win for the Owls at 2/1 and sees them four points clear of relegation.
On Sunday, the Old Farm derby between Norwich and Ipswich produced an away win at tasty 11/4 odds. On loan Jonatan Johansson opened the scoring on his Canaries debut after 33 minutes but Jimmy Juan equalised five minutes later. The match ended in controversy as Danny Haynes appeared to use his hand to bundle in the ball although the goal was officially given as a Gary Doherty own goal.
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