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Championship round-up: Sinclair's instinct delights Rodgers

Giles Lucas
Monday 28 February 2011 01:00 GMT
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Brendan Rodgers, the Swansea City manager, sung Scott Sinclair's praises after his two goals, struck either side of half-time, helped the promotion hopefuls defeat Leeds 3-0 on Saturday.

"He has the instinct to score goals," said Rodgers of Sinclair, who has now scored 21 goals for the Welsh side this season. "He's got searing pace [and] great balance." Sinclair's low drive put Swansea ahead before the midfielder scored a penalty after team-mate Nathan Dyer had been brought down by Max Gradel. Team-mate Luke Moore made it three in the 72nd minute as Swansea stayed in second place in the table.

Norwich midfielder Andrew Crofts received acclaim from his manager, Paul Lambert, for scoring both goals in their 2-0 win at Barnsley. "Crofts took his goals very well," Lambert said. "He's shown all season that he can score goals from midfield. It was a piece of brilliance for his second." Crofts' goals, his second a superb turn and shot from 20 yards, increased his tally to eight for the campaign and took the Canaries up to fourth.

Despite his Crystal Palace side drawing 3-3 with Reading after going 2-0 ahead, their manager Dougie Freedman was more than happy with a point. "I'm not frustrated because a point is a real plus for us against a really good, high-energy team," said Freedman, whose team are just four points clear of the relegation zone. "We showed great spirit. We've slugged it out with a great team and matched them. It's a point gained on the teams below us."

Sven-Goran Eriksson was frustrated with his Leicester team's 1-1 home draw against Coventry. Eriksson's side went behind when Marlon King found the net in the 14th minute before Kyle Naughton equalised on the stroke of half-time. "We had to chase the game and attack with a lot of people," Eriksson said. "We scored and had 45 minutes to resolve the situation but we didn't – and that's disappointing."

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