Southampton extended their lead at the top of the npower Championship to three points yesterday as Adam Lallana’s brace helped them to a 2-0 home win over Barnsley.

Lallana latched on to a Rickie Lambert header to score the first after 35 minutes and was on target from close range in the 54th minute as Nigel Adkins’ men took their unbeaten run to nine league matches.

Second-placed West Ham are only ahead of Reading on goal difference as the Hammers drew with Doncaster while the in-form Royals beat Leicester.

Sam Allardyce’s men made a great start as Kevin Nolan scored in the ninth minute, but Rovers hit back through James Coppinger (73).

Reading recorded their eighth straight win to join West Ham on 66 points, as goals from Mikele Leigertwood (15), Jason Roberts (75) and Simon Church (89) put them in control before Neil Danns scored a late consolation for the Foxes.

Blackpool dropped out of the play-off places after a 3-1 defeat at Peterborough.

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