Burnley sit at the top of the Football League after one round of fixtures after beating Queens Park Rangers 2-0. Debutante Steve Jones netted two goals on 59 and 69 for the Clarets, priced up at evens by the bookmakers.
Despite the loss of key players Steve Howard and Kevin Nicholls, Luton Town got off to a winning start against Leicester City. Youngster Leon Barnett scored his first senior goal after eight minutes and Carlos Edwards added a second 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. Welsh international John Hartson struck twice on his debut after 57 and 90 minutes to seal a 6/10 victory.
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. On loan striker Niklas Bendtner struck the winner for the 9/20 Blues 11 minutes from full time.
Cardiff City beat promoted Barnsley 2-1 at Oakwell, their first opening day win for four years. 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 came from behind to beat Ipswich Town in Peter Taylor's first match in charge. Striker Nick Forster drew first blood for the home side after 30 minutes but winger Jobi McAnuff hauled Palace level on 58. Former Tractor Boy James Scowcroft sealed a 17/10 away win after 61 minutes.
Leeds United edged to a narrow win against Norwich City at even money odds. David Healy, celebrating his 27 birthday, struck home from the penalty spot after 41 minutes.
Southend United adapted well to life in a higher division by beating Stoke City at Roots Hall. Fredy Eastwood scored his fiftieth goal for the 13/10 Shrimpers by converting a penalty after 14 minutes.
Plymouth Argyle and Wolves were involved in an uneventful draw at Home Park. New signing Barry Hayles gave Argyle the lead 10 minutes before the break but an own goal on 47 by Matthias Doumbe ensured a 23/10 stalemate.
Sheffield Wednesday managed to keep the final score goalless against Preston North End after playing much of the second half with 10m 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 put the visiting Black Cats in front after 52 minutes but Trinidad & Tobago international Stern John restored parity on 71. Birmingham City target Gary McSheffrey scored what proved to be the winning goal for the 6/4 Sky Blues on 78.
Super sub Paul Peschisolido fired in a last minute goal to earn Derby County a 2-2 draw against Southampton. The Rams took the lead through Seth Johnson after 35 minutes but Southampton equalised through a Gareth Bale goal on 62. Bradley Wright-Phillips put the Saints ahead on his debut after 68 minutes until Peschisolido sent 9/4 draw backers into raptures. |
