Championship wrap: Reading take top spot

Reading moved top of the Championship with a 2-0 win over Leeds United on Friday, while West Ham United thrashed Barnsley.

A late brace from substitute Adam Le Fondre gave Brian McDermott’s Reading side a deserved win over a 10-man Leeds outfit at Madejski Stadium.

Southampton will regain top spot with at least a draw against Portsmouth on Saturday, but their clash against Reading next Friday will go a long way to determining who wins the title.

An undermanned Leeds made a dreadful start away from home when teenage midfielder Zac Thompson was red-carded for a dangerous lunge on Jobi McAnuff after 12 minutes.

Danny Pugh was fortunate not to have Leeds reduced to nine men after his studs-up tackle on Jem Karacan just minutes later.

Ian Harte went close for the hosts when his cross-cum-shot hit the woodwork, while Leeds had two good chances of their own.

Ross McCormack saw his 25-yard effort clip the side of the post, before he set up a glorious chance for Robert Snodgrass.

The Scottish forward was inside the area when he side-footed his first-time effort straight at a grateful Adam Federici.

Reading, who had struggled to break down Leeds, took the lead in the 84th minute through Le Fondre.

Moments after having a goal correctly ruled out for offside, Le Fondre tapped in the opener after a superb headed pass from Hal Robson-Kanu.

The striker netted the sealer a minute from the end, diverting in a Jason Roberts effort in from close range.

West Ham United closed to within three points of Southampton thanks to a 4-0 belting of Barnsley at Oakwell Stadium.

Kevin Nolan scrambled in the opener after seven minutes, before he played a one-two with Nicky Maynard, who drilled home West Ham’s second.

Mark Noble made it 3-0 after 35 minutes, and Ricardo Vaz Te completed the scoring against his former side just after half-time.

In other matches, Stephen Dobbie’s brace helped promotion contenders Blackpool to a 2-0 win against Watford at Vicarage Road.

Charlie Austin’s 16th goal of the season gave Burnley an upset 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.