Charlton Athletic shocked Blackburn Rovers on their return to the Championship with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Ewood Park.
The Addicks, back at this level after a three-year absence, took the lead against the run of play through Ben Purrington’s close-range effort two minutes from half-time.
However, an unfortunate own goal from Charlton keeper Dillon Phillips in the 54th minute levelled matters before Lyle Taylor’s 77th minute strike sealed a well deserved victory for Lee Bowyer’s side.
QPR also got their Championship season off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory away to much-fancied Stoke City.
Jordan Hugill opened the scoring in the eighth-minute following a howler by Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland.
And QPR doubled their advantage early in the second half following a brilliant solo run and finish by Angel Rangel.
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Sam Clucas did gave Stoke late hope when he slotted home with 12 minutes to go but QPR held on for Mark Warburton’s first win in charge.
Millwall were winners as well – Jed Wallace’s first-half strike giving the Lions’ the perfect start to their Championship campaign as they battled past Preston 1-0 at The Den.
It wasn’t so good news for Brentford though, who were left frustrated by a resilient Birmingham City side, who beat the Bees 1-0 at Griffin Park.
Kristian Pedersen capitalised on some sloppy marking to loop a header over Brentford keeper David Raya in the 19th minute.
It was the only effort on goal in the entire game from the visitors, who sat back and defended brilliantly against a Brentford side lacking a cutting edge.
Meanwhile, newly-relegated Fulham started life back in the Championship with a 1-0 loss at Barnsley thanks to Luke Thomas’ brilliant first-half solo goal.
In League One, after AFC Wimbledon’s heroic great escape from relegation last season, there was much optimism around Kingsmeadow this time around.
However, Freddie Ladapo and Clark Robertson gave Rotherham a 2-1 win over the Dons; Joe Pigott with Wimbledon’s goal.
And finally, Leyton Orient marked their return to the Football League with a 1-0 victory against Cheltenham.
Late manager Justin Edinburgh’s last signing Josh Wright scored the only goal in an emotional game, which also saw Cheltenham’s Luke Varney and Rohan Ince sent off.