Warnock signs up to impressive Taarabt's Rangers fan club

Taarabt scored for Rangers, along with Alejandro Faurlin and Tommy Smith. Shane Long got Reading's consolation.

Warnock said: "Taarabt is such a likeable rogue. I never thought someone like him could be a Neil Warnock player, but I love him.

"He's a talisman for us and when he's at his best, he's very difficult for other teams to handle."

Cardiff manager Dave Jones will not dwell on his side's 1-0 defeat at home to Swansea – even if the club's supporters do.

Marvin Emnes scored the only goal of the game with 15 minutes remaining to inflict City's first home defeat of the season as their bitter rivals enhanced their promotion credentials with a deserved victory.

The Swans largely dominated the second half and on-loan Middlesbrough winger Emnes lashed home a shot from 20 yards to settle the south Wales derby clash.

Jones said: "It was a tight game and we made the mistake that has cost us. We will be hung, drawn and quartered now for a week but it's only one game and there is still a long way to go.

"We had good chances but there was hardly anything in it, only half-chances for both clubs and their goal came because our defender was too tight."

Preston blew the chance to put daylight between themselves and the drop zone after drawing 1-1 at third-bottom Bristol City.

Iain Hume had given North End a second-minute lead but Billy Jones put through his own net 19 minutes from time.

Norwich had a chance to go third but will be pleased with a point after coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Burnley thanks to Andrew Crofts's stoppage-time equaliser.

However, Crofts's afternoon ended on a sour note after he was sent off moments after scoring.

Martin Paterson's double saw the Clarets lead 2-0 until the 71st minute, when Russell Martin pulled a goal back.

Watford and Nottingham Forest played out a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road, Lewis McGugan levelling after Jordon Mutch had given the home side a third-minute lead.