Pace-setters Cardiff maintain their momentum

Cardiff moved five points clear at the top of the English Championship with a 4-0 rout of Wolverhampton.

Cardiff moved five points clear at the top of the English Championship with a 4-0 rout of Wolverhampton.

Riccardo Scimeca opened the scoring at Ninian Park after the visitors had defender Gary Breen sent off for a clash with Steven Thompson.

An own goal from Jody Craddock doubled Cardiff's lead and Malvin Kamara and Paul Parry put the seal on a sweet victory for City boss Dave Jones, who was sacked by Wolves in 2004.

Second-placed Birmingham, relegated from the Premiership last season, fell further behind Cardiff after being held to a 1-1 home draw by struggling Leicester.

Gary McSheffrey put Blues ahead in the 58th minute but Steve Bruce's side were denied a win when Elvis Hammond equalised four minutes from full-time.

Leeds' dismal start to the season continued as they suffered a humiliating 4-2 defeat at 10-man West Bromwich.

The Elland Road outfit, who reached the play-off final last season, sacked Kevin Blackwell earlier this month but caretaker boss John Carver is not finding the job any easier.

Carver's side had the perfect opportunity to take control at the Hawthorns when home defender Paul McShane was sent off for a foul on Leeds striker David Healy in the penalty area.

But Healy blasted the spot-kick wide and Martin Albrechtsen gave West Bromwich, also without a manager after Bryan Robson's dismissal, the lead just before half-time.

Diomansy Kamara and Kevin Phillips put the Baggies three goals in front but Leeds set up a thrilling finale as Geoff Horsfield and Steve Stone reduced the deficit. Kamara sealed the points with an injury time strike to settle a pulsating encounter.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane saw his side, who had failed to win their two previous matches, get back on track with a 1-0 home success against Sheffield Wednesday, with Grant Leadbitter getting the decisive goal in the 58th minute.

Crystal Palace manager Peter Taylor was denied a win on his return to Hull as Michael Turner scored a last minute equaliser to cancel out Leon Cort's goal.