The Coca Cola Championship kicked off this past weekend. David Walker rounds up the opening weekend's action
Burnley are top of the Championship after one match following their 2-0 defeat of Queens Park Rangers. Steve Jones, a summer acquisition from Crewe, scored two goals on his debut after 59 and 69 minutes for the even money Clarets.
Even though the influential Steve Howard and Kevin Nicholls moved elsewhere during the summer, Luton Town won their opening match against Leicester City. Leon Barnett netted his first senior goal after eight minutes and Carlos Edwards sealed victory on 79 for the 6/4 Hatters.
Relegated West Bromwich Albion got off to a winning start after beating Hull City 2-0 at the Hawthorns. New signing John Hartson’s double after 57 and 90 minutes ensured a winning bet at short 6/10 odds.
Birmingham City also won their first match after Premiership relegation last season and beat Colchester United 2-1. DJ Campbell broke the deadlock after 30 minutes but Richard Garcia levelled six minutes into the second half. Substitute Cameron Jerome, a £3 million signing from Cardiff City, last just three minutes after coming on as a substitute before he was sent off. It was left to fellow substitute Niklas Bendtner, on loan from Arsenal, to score the winning goal 11 minutes from the end for the 9/20 Blues.
Newcomers Barnsley received a reality check from Cardiff City, who won 2-1 at Oakwell. Joe Ledley and Steven Thompson struck two quick goals on 19 and 22 minutes for the 7/4 Bluebirds before Brian Howard reduced the deficit on 31.
Crystal Palace had to come from a goal down to beat Ipswich Town in Peter Taylor’s first game as manager. Nick Forster gave Jim Magilton a perfect start with a goal on 30 but Watford target Jobi McAnuff equalised after 58 minutes. James Scowcroft returned to haunt his old club and ensured an away win at 17/10 odds after 61 minutes.
Leeds United, even money before kick off, sealed a narrow victory over visitors Norwich City. Birthday boy David Healy converted the decisive penalty four minutes before the break.
Southend United found the step up from League One no problem at all after defeating Stoke City. Fredy Eastwood scored his fiftieth goal for the 13/10 Shrimpers by converting a penalty after 14 minutes.
Plymouth Argyle and Wolves played out an unconvincing draw at Home Park. Debutante Barry Hayles opened the scoring for the Pilgrims after 35 minutes but an own goal two minutes after the restart by Matthias Doumbe made sure of a draw at 23/10.
Sheffield Wednesday managed a goalless draw against Preston North End despite being reduced to 10 men. The sending off of Lee Bullen after 57 minutes did not prevent a draw at odds of 23/10.
Niall Quinn did not have the winning start he wanted after his Sunderland side were beaten by Coventry City. Daryl Murphy gave Quinn a dream start after 52 minutes but Stern John hauled the home side level on 71. Birmingham City target Gary McSheffrey scored what proved to be the winning goal for the 6/4 Sky Blues on 78.
Later on, Paul Peschisolido scored a last gasp equaliser for Derby County against Southampton. The home side took the lead through Seth Johnson 10 minutes before the interval but Gareth Bale levelled for the Saints after 62 minutes. Bradley Wright-Phillips put the Saints ahead on his debut after 68 minutes until Peschisolido sent 9/4 draw backers into raptures.
