Championship Review: 8 August

The opening weekend of the Championship season and it was certainly worth the wait. There was a shock victory for newly promoted MK Dons, whilst only one of last season’s relegated Premier League side’s recorded a win. Here is your Championship Review:

 

Friday 7 August 

Brighton 1-0 Nottingham Forest 

Brighton kicked off the first game of the Football League calender, beating Dougie Freeman’s Nottingham Forest at the AMEX Stadium. Winger Kazenga Lualua netted the games only goal five minutes into the second half, but both sides hit the post through Forest’s Henri Lansbury and The Seagulls Beram Kayal. Nottingham Forest fans will be quick to get on the back of Freedman and owner Fawaz should they continue their poor start to the season after underachieving in recent seasons.

Saturday 8 August 

Cardiff City 1-1 Fulham 

In the first of two early kick-offs, Cardiff City and Fulham played out a 1-1 draw at the Cardiff City Stadium. Matt Smith gave Kit Symons side the lead two minutes into the second half with a header after goalkeeper Simon Moore fumbled the original effort. Cardiff’s Anthony Pilkington hit the woodwork before seeing his headed goal ruled wrongly out as he was deemed to have handled the ball. But Russell Slade’s side did find an equaliser in the shape of Craig Noone, as his curling effort with five minutes remaining found its way past the Cottagers keeper.

Leeds United 1-1 Burnley 

There was late drama at Elland Road as two late goals saw Leeds and Burnley share the spoils. Alex Mowatt and new signing Stuart Dallas both hit the woodwork for the hosts, while Burnley were denied two penalties. It was Leeds that took the lead with just seven minutes remaining when Mirco Antenucci curled a spectacular 25 yard effort past Tom Heaton, who had put in a decent performance throughout the match, but Welsh striker Sam Vokes popped up with a header just three minutes later to deny Uwe Rosler his first win since taking over.

Birmingham City 2-1 Reading 

Gary Rowett’s Birmingham claimed all three points against Reading at St Andrews, but only thanks to the late heroics of keeper Tom Kuszczak. David Cotterill’s deflected free kick gave the hosts the lead with five minutes of the first half remaining, before debutant Jon Tural headed home a second for the Blues two minutes into the second half. Nick Blackman pulled one back for Steve Clarke’s Royals, and then were given a late opportunity to level the game from the spot, but Orlando Sa’s effort was saved by the former Manchester United goalkeeper, giving Birmingham all three points.