Latics savour dream start to second tier
Wigan Athletic got off to a dream start on their return to the Championship by edging Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 in a thriller at the DW Stadium.
Michael Jacobs was the hero for last season’s League One title winners, with two goals in a fantastic firsthalf display in which he also hit the crossbar.
His opening goal after 10 minutes was cancelled out 10 minutes later by Atdhe Nuhiu, before Jacobs restored the Latics lead after 26 minutes.
After Jacobs hit the bar shortly before half- time, Wigan picked up where they left off after the restart as Nick Powell bundled the ball home from close range to make it 3-1.
Fernando Forestieri pulled a goal back midway through the second period, but the visitors were unable to get back on level terms and their afternoon was compounded by the late sending off of Nuhiu.
Bolton winger Yanic Wildschut made a dream debut as his late strike earned a 2-1 win at West Brom.
Wildschut, who is on- loan from Norwich City, stabbed home from close range in the 89th minute after David Wheater had headed a Josh Vela corner goalwards.
In a day for debutants, Bolton had taken the lead when Josh Magennis, made a goalscoring bow, before Albion drew level in first- half stoppage time through winger Harvey Barnes.
Steve Mclaren suffered defeat in his first match as QPR manager as Alan Browne’s second- half header ensured Preston began their campaign with a 1-0 win at Deepdale.
In a game of few clear- cut chances for either side, the breakthrough came via a set piece as Browne converted Josh Harrop’s delivery.
Ruthless Brentford gave new boys Rotherham a 5-1 baptism of fire with a passing masterclass at Griffin Park.
A Neal Maupay brace and goals from Sergi Canos, Ollie Watkins and Lewis Macleod did the damage, with Will Vaulks grabbing a late consolation for the shellshocked visitors.
New Ipswich boss Paul Hurst’s first game ended allsquare after an injury- time equaliser rescued a point for the Blues against Blackburn Rovers in a 2-2 draw at Portman Road.
Ipswich summer signing from Peterborough, Gwion Edwards gave Town a fine start when his excellent looping header beat David Raya in the Blackburn goal in the fifth minute.
But Rovers responded and first- half goals from Danny Graham and Bradley Dack put them in control.
Town left it late to find an equaliser when season loan signing Tayo Edun’s cross from the right went past everyone to secure a point in stoppage time.