Championship round-up: Gradel caps five-star performance
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Max Gradel received lavish praise from his Leeds manager, Simon Grayson, after the 23-year-old striker scored twice during the promotion hopefuls' 5-2 win over Doncaster.
"[Gradel] just epitomises what this team is about," said Grayson. "The way he chases down defenders and works rubs off on his team-mates. He is a breath of fresh air. He's reaping the rewards for his endeavour and enthusiasm and he's a great lad to work with."
Jonny Howson also scored twice and team-mate Luciano Becchio found the net, with Doncaster's efforts coming from Franck Moussa and Billy Sharp, as Leeds solidified their claim to sixth place.
A half-time rollicking gave Ipswich the drive to defeat Cardiff 2-0, manager Paul Jewell revealed. "I lost my temper with my players at half-time but it seemed to work as we were much stronger than Cardiff in the second half," said the manager, whose midfielder Jimmy Bullard struck twice after the interval to defeat the Bluebirds.
Despite Nottingham Forest's 36-game unbeaten home run being brought to an end by their 1-0 loss to Hull, their manager Billy Davies remained upbeat. "I'm very proud of the home record. We were never going to go on forever with this run. It had to come to an end sometime," Davies said, after Matty Fryatt scored the only goal of the game for Hull.
The Middlesbrough manager, Tony Mowbray, condemned his team after they were brushed aside 5-2 by Reading. "I have been in charge for 19 or 20 games but it's the first time we have found a performance like that," Mowbray said. "This was the first time we have been outfought and outplayed." Ian Harte and Shane Long both found the net twice for triumphant Reading.
Mowbray also saw his his goalkeeper Jason Steele sustain a side injury during the game. "Steele will need a scan," Mowbray said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments