Ellis has Sunder & lightning on debut
Former Hearts hitman Ellis Simms enjoyed a dream Sunderland debut as he netted twice in a thrilling 3-2 win at Bristol City.
The Ever ton loanee impressed at Tynecastle last term and Robbie Neilson was keen to bring him back to the Jambos.
But the Toffees opted to send him out to the Championship with the Black Cats instead and he made an instant impact at Ashton Gate yesterday.
Simms netted just four minutes into his debut but the Robins hit back to take the lead through Andreas Weimann and Chris Martin.
Sunderland weren’t to be denied though and Simms levelled before Scotland striker Ross Stewart popped up to nod home the winner.
Gaffer Alex Neil was thrilled with the impact of the new boy and reckons his partnership with Stewart has plenty of promise.
He said: “The front two were absolutely tops. The ball went up to them and they held it, linked it, they were dangerous.
“It was everything you would look for in a front
two. To have your debut and score two goals away from home, with Ross getting the other one, it doesn’t get much better for a front two.”
In League One, Scott Brown savoured his first win as Fleetwood Town boss after a late goal from sub Joe Garner sealed a 2-1 victory over Plymouth.
A penalty from former Rangers kid Ryan Hardie looked to be sending the Celtic legend to a second successive loss.
But Dan Batty levelled before the break and Brown’s decision to bring on Garner, another Ibrox old boy, paid off late on.
The striker has been on the pitch for just seven minutes when he fired home from close range to win it just two minutes from time.
Brown was pleased with the way his side responded to defeat against Port Vale in their opener.
He said: “There was a total difference today. The lads pressed them right up the park and their work rate was exceptional.”