Burnley are the early pace setters after defeating Queens Park Rangers 2-0. New signing Steve Jones scored a brace 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 broke the deadlock with his first senior goal after eight minutes and Carlos Edwards made sure of the win with a goal on 79 for the 6/4 Hatters. West Bromwich Albion began the season with a win following relegation last season by beating Hull City. 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. Former Brentford striker DJ Campbell opened the scoring after 30 minutes but Richard Garcia hauled the sides level on 51. Cameron Jerome had a nightmare debut when he was sent off just a few minutes after coming on as a second half substitute. 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. 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. Nick Forster gave Jim Magilton a perfect start with a goal on 30 but Watford target Jobi McAnuff equalised after 58 minutes. Former Ipswich striker James Scowcroft secured all three points for the 17/10 Eagles three minutes later. Even money shots Leeds United produced a slender victory against Norwich City. Striker David Healy celebrated his birthday by netting the only goal of the match from the penalty spot four minutes before half time. 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. 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. The Black Cats went ahead through Daryl Murphy on 52 but Stern John brought the sides level after 71 minutes. 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. Seth Johnson gave the Rams the lead 10 minutes before the break but teenager Gareth Bale levelled for the Saints on 62. Debutante Bradley Wright-Phillips put the visitors ahead on 68 until Peschisolido snatched a 9/4 draw at the death. |
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