1. West Brom 1-0 Blackburn
2. Albion have a deserved lead at the break, but when was one goal ever enough?
3. Isaac Price looks a class act and it was he who tucked the hosts into the lead on 15 minutes after Darnell Furlong’s long throw caused havoc in the Rovers box.
4. Yuki Ohashi has come closest for the visitors with an angled effort which was blocked at the near post by keeper Josh Griffiths and also wanted a penalty after a tussle with Torbjorn Heggem just before the break.
5. Valerien Ismael has work to do if he is to maintain Blackburn’s fine record against the Baggies, back on his old Hawthorns stomping ground.
7. West Brom 1-0 Blackburn
8. Ooooof. Blackburn might well have had a penalty.
9. Yuki Ohashi gets the wrong side of Torbjorn Heggem on the right of the area and goes down under his challenge as he tries to turn into the middle.
10. David Webb is unmoved, despite appeals from the Japanese striker.
12. Oxford United 0-1 Portsmouth
13. Oxford United go close just before the break Stan Mills firing in a cross to Will Lankshear only for Regan Poole to just do enough to put him off.
14. The subsequent corner comes to nothing and Oxford go in trailing.
16. Norwich 0-0 Millwall
17. No goals from either side as they goal in all square.
19. QPR 1-0 Preston
20. The home side have had the better of it and they have the lead to show for it too, albeit through a Ben Whiteman own goal.
22. Stoke 0-0 Derby
23. The Potters have been in charge in terms of possession and chances but nothing between these two at the break.
24. Mark Robins’ men ended last season with three successive blanks and he’ll want them to get that monkey off their backs as soon as possible.
26. Oxford United 0-1 Portsmouth
27. Stan Mills goes down under a bit of a clumsy challenge from Callum Lang but the referee waves away the appeal.
28. Replays show that the Oxford player was looking for that and gone down all too easily there. Good decision.
30. Middlesbrough 0-0 Swansea
31. Honours even.
32. Not too much in the way of goalmouth incident, though Morgan Whittaker’s fierce strike from range was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Swans keeper Lawrence Virouroux and Ronald came close with a blockbuster effort from even further out which kissed the side-netting while Liam Cullen glanced a header straight at keeper Sol Brynn.
34. Middlesbrough 0-0 Swansea
35. Nearly four bookings. Delano Burgzorg has a nibble at Goncalo Franco on halfway but this time Farai Hallam keeps his cards in his pocket.
36. Swansea have sprung a couple of decent attacks down the flanks but have offered precious little in the final third thus far, something for Alan Sheehan to ponder at the interval.
38. Oxford 0-1 Portsmouth
39. Dan George
40. BBC Sport at Kassam Stadium
41. Image source, Getty Images
42. We have lift off, Portsmouth’s new signing Adrian Segecic fires it into the back of the net!
43. It all came from Oxford’s Cameron Brannagan playing a really sloppy back pass which Colby Bishop capitalised on.
44. Bishop almost seemed to have too much time as he ran through played his shot straight at Oxford keeper Jamie Cumming.
45. But the follow up was really well taken by Segecic, a powerful strike with his left foot into the right-hand side of the net.
47. Adrian Segecic (39 mins)
48. Colby Bishop races through one on one but puts his shot straight at Jamie Cumming.
49. The ball rebounds out to Adrian Segecic 20 yards out but he has picked his spot and slammed home for a goal on debut.
51. Middlesbrough 0-0 Swansea
52. Goncalo Franco clatters into Hayden Hackney on halfway, and it’s not his first offence so ref Farai Hallam makes the Swans man the third booking of the opening half.
54. Ben Whiteman (own goal) (41 mins)
55. The home side hit the front!
56. Great work down the left by Karamoko Demeble and his low cross causes chaos in the middle and an attempted clearance is smacked against Preston midfielder Ben Whiteman and into the net.
58. Norwich 0-0 Millwall
59. Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga is cautioned for a shirt pull.
61. West Brom 1-0 Blackburn
62. Kevin Gallacher
63. Former Blackburn striker on BBC Radio Lancashire
64. Image source, Getty Images
65. Axel Henriksson is not a number 10, he looks a little bit lost.
66. There’s no movement in the inner zones of West Brom. There’s no movement from anybody.
68. Oxford 0-0 Portsmouth
69. Dan George
70. BBC Sport at Kassam Stadium
71. Oxford fans finally have something to be encouraged about as Cameron Brannagan makes a burst down the left into space.
72. His low and powerful effort is well saved by Portsmouth keeper Nicolas Schmid but draws a big cheer from the Oxford fans.
73. After a dominant start to the game by Pompey, the U’s seem to be getting back into this.
75. Oxford United 0-0 Portsmouth
76. Cameron Brannagan forces a decent save after breaking sharply down the left flank.
77. Cutting into the area he unleashes a left foot shot which Nicolas Schmid gets down to his right to block at his near post.
79. Norwich 0-0 Millwall
80. Richard Langley
81. Former QPR midfielder on BBC Radio London
82. Norwich seem to be running out of ideas when they reach the 18-yard box, Alex Neil will be pleased about that.
83. It’s just all about getting that ball back because Norwich are in control.
85. West Brom 1-0 Blackburn
86. First real sight of goal for Rovers as a low cross from the right breaks to Yuki Ohashi who battles to work some space before sliding in an angled shot from six yards out which Josh Griffiths does well to block at his near post.
88. Norwich 0-0 Millwall
89. Norwich City fans may be going ‘crazy’ over Mirko Topic’s biceps with the Serbian getting his guns out for social media this week.
90. But his shooting has lacked a little bit of direction so far with the 24-year-old pulling another shot just wide.

Page 2

1. West Brom 1-0 Blackburn
2. Kevin Gallacher
3. Former Blackburn striker on BBC Radio Lancashire
4. Image source, Getty Images
5. Axel Henriksson is not a number 10, he looks a little bit lost.
6. There’s no movement in the inner zones of West Brom. There’s no movement from anybody.
8. Oxford 0-0 Portsmouth
9. Dan George
10. BBC Sport at Kassam Stadium
11. Oxford fans finally have something to be encouraged about as Cameron Brannagan makes a burst down the left into space.
12. His low and powerful effort is well saved by Portsmouth keeper Nicolas Schmid but draws a big cheer from the Oxford fans.
13. After a dominant start to the game by Pompey, the U’s seem to be getting back into this.
15. Oxford United 0-0 Portsmouth
16. Cameron Brannagan forces a decent save after breaking sharply down the left flank.
17. Cutting into the area he unleashes a left foot shot which Nicolas Schmid gets down to his right to block at his near post.
19. Norwich 0-0 Millwall
20. Richard Langley
21. Former QPR midfielder on BBC Radio London
22. Norwich seem to be running out of ideas when they reach the 18-yard box, Alex Neil will be pleased about that.
23. It’s just all about getting that ball back because Norwich are in control.
25. West Brom 1-0 Blackburn
26. First real sight of goal for Rovers as a low cross from the right breaks to Yuki Ohashi who battles to work some space before sliding in an angled shot from six yards out which Josh Griffiths does well to block at his near post.
28. Norwich 0-0 Millwall
29. Norwich City fans may be going ‘crazy’ over Mirko Topic’s biceps with the Serbian getting his guns out for social media this week.
30. But his shooting has lacked a little bit of direction so far with the 24-year-old pulling another shot just wide.
32. Middlesbrough 0-0 Swansea
33. Image source, PA Media
34. Swansea give Morgan Whittaker too much time and space to unleash a rasping drive from well outside the box which the flying Lawrence Virouroux manages to flick onto his crossbar.
35. Boro are growing into this one and Swans defender Jay Fulton has already had his name taken.
37. West Brom 1-0 Blackburn
38. Andy Bayes
39. BBC Radio Lancashire commentator
40. Blackburn Rovers are all over the place defensively.
41. If West Brom don’t win this game then they’ll look back at that.
42. It’s a relief it’s only 1-0.
44. West Brom 1-0 Blackburn
45. Aune Heggebo fancies a debut goal, gliding down the right and then haring into the middle to meet a return pass just inside the box, only for his low left-foot shot to be palmed away to his right by Balazs Toth.
46. Isaac Price was lurking with intent and might have wanted his teammate to leave that to him on his right peg.
47. Albion very much on top.
49. Oxford United 0-0 Portsmouth
50. Oxford boss Gary Rowett has been cautioned but his mood was very nearly improved there.
51. A long throw from the right flank from Will Vaulks reaches a knot of players in the six yard area and captain Elliott Moore has not one, but two stabs from four yards out.
52. He can’t quite get a clean contact with either and Nicolas Schmid falls gratefully on the ball at the second attempt.
54. QPR 0-0 Preston
55. Thierry Small, a new arrival from Charlton this summer, cuts in off the right but his low shot is comfortably held by Joe Walsh in the home goal.
57. Oxford 0-0 Portsmouth
58. Dan George
59. BBC Sport at Kassam Stadium
60. Image source, Getty Images
61. The crowd at the Kassam appear to be quite frustrated with some of the decisions made by referee Dean Whitestone so far.
62. The Oxford players have had a number of calls for fouls waved away by the man in the middle, and Gary Rowett was the latest man to complain.
63. The Oxford boss has now received a yellow card for his troubles which was loudly booed by the home support.
65. Middlesbrough 0-0 Swansea
66. Ronald fancied himself a Puskas Award for a moment there.
67. A long ball forward from Swansea is hooked away by Dael Fry but the 24-year-old Brazilian runs onto the bouncing ball and unleashes a thunderous half-volley from 30 yards which slashes through the air and flies inches past the top right corner, hitting the side-netting.
69. Stoke 0-0 Derby
70. Stoke fans will be liking what they are seeing so far as they totally dominate proceedings.
71. The away side have been restricted to just 22% possession and haven’t managed a shot of any sort.
73. Oxford United 0-0 Portsmouth
74. Florian Bianchini has missed a golden opportunity to put Pompey in front.
75. The ball travels across the area from right to left and is nudged on to the striker arriving with perfect timing on the left side of the area.
76. His effort, unfortunately, is less than perfect. Bang average in fact and bunted straight to Jamie Cumming in the Oxford goal.
77. Massive chance and he should have done better.
79. West Brom 1-0 Blackburn
80. Blackburn can’t really deal with Albion at present, especially when the ball comes into their area from out wide.
81. Tom Fellows has sent in a couple of dangerous balls and almost sneaked in for a tap-in at the far post there, though he’d have been well offside if he hadn’t skewed his effort into the side-netting.
83. Norwich 0-0 Millwall
84. Rob Newman
85. Former Norwich defender on BBC Radio Norfolk
86. Norwich are in control of the game and they are the ones pressing. Millwall are relying on the counter attack but Norwich need to start to create more.
88. QPR 0-0 Preston
89. The home side, looking to avoid falling to an opening day defeat for the fourth successive season, are firmly on top after these opening 20 minutes but no goal to show for it so far.
90. The R’s are under new boss Julien Stephan for the first time in a competitive match today.
92. Middlesbrough 0-0 Swansea
93. Hayden Hackney has attracted a lot of attention this summer but he’s still at Boro and still doing what he does.
94. He picks the ball up in midfield and drives towards the area before letting fly with a rasping strike from 25 yards which flashes a few yards wide of Lawrence Vigouroux’s left upright.
95. Not close enough for a ‘close’ headline, but Boro have at least had a shot.
97. West Brom 1-0 Blackburn
98. Tony ‘Bomber’ Brown
99. West Brom’s all-time leading goalscorer on BBC Radio WM
100. Image source, Getty Images
101. Isaac Price just had to coast it home, it’s an easy one for him.
102. It’s a great start from Albion’s point of view.
103. Price has got a big future.

Page 3

1. Stoke 0-0 Derby
2. Image source, Getty Images
3. The home side are having much the better of things so far.
4. Mark Robins’ men have had just over 70% of the possession and two shots on target.
6. Isaac Price (15 mins)
7. Ryan Mason and Albion have lift off…
8. Isaac Price capitalises on some chaos in the box after a long throw from Darnell Furlong and on the right and tucks a side-footed effort through a crowd and inside the post giving the keeper no chance.
10. Middlesbrough 0-0 Swansea
11. Some pushing and probing from Boro, with Sam Silvera on the left and new arrival Callum Brittain on the right playing very high indeed.
12. Rob Edwards will be content with his side’s start here, though they have not had a glimpse of goal yet.
14. Norwich 0-0 Millwall
15. Mirko Topic fires in a shot from outside the area and Japhet Tanganga manages to get his falling body in the way to deflect the ball behind.
16. Norwich have had the better start and, from the corner, Harry Darling fires wildly over. Millwall are retreating into two close banks of four already.
18. Stoke 0-0 Derby
19. Image source, Rex Features
20. Aaron Cresswell ended his 11-year spell with West Ham in the summer and joined Stoke City.
21. The veteran full-back sees a shot fly just past the post as he looks to mark his debut with a goal.
23. West Brom 0-0 Blackburn
24. This match looks like two teams who have spent 10 weeks this summer dreaming about their next chance to fly into a challenge on someone.
25. Blood and thunder is an understatement. I have a feeling ref David Webb’s shoulder might be aching come bedtime, and we’re only 10 minutes in…
27. Middlesbrough 0-0 Swansea
28. Middlesbrough’s Sam Silvera picks up a caution inside 10 minutes after his heavy touch in midfield is pounced on by Ethan Galbraith, with the Boro left-back flying in to try and win the ball back, only to get none of the ball and a lot of the Swans debutant.
30. Oxford United 0-0 Portsmouth
31. Pompey have made the brighter start and Callum Lang is causing some bother down the right flank.
32. The Portsmouth winger gets into the Oxford area early and really should have got a cross or a shot away.
33. But his effort is smothered by a saving tackle from Michal Helik.
35. QPR 0-0 Preston
36. Preston stayed up by a point last season after a dreadful end to the season.
37. They’ve made a bright start at QPR today though, with Lewis Gibson heading narrowly wide from Thierry Small’s cross.
39. Oxford 0-0 Portsmouth
40. Dan George
41. BBC Sport at Kassam Stadium
42. It has been a strong start by Portsmouth who have had a couple of early half chances.
43. Callum Lang has so far looked the biggest threat down the right-hand-side, Oxford are yet to create any real attacking chance of note.
45. West Brom 0-0 Blackburn
46. Swede Axel Henrickson is making his Rovers debut and is clearly up for it, up-ending Darnell Furlong in the opening minutes but escaping any action from ref David Webb.
47. Yuki Ohashi has already been off for some attention to an eye issue for the visitors while keeper Balazs Toth had to be alert to keep out a clever direct free-kick from Isaac Price when everyone else was expecting a cross.
49. Norwich 0-0 Millwall
50. A Josh Sargent Norwich shirt threatened to become a collector’s item this summer and Jake Cooper has laid an early claim to it there.
51. The Canaries striker turns him on the right flank and Cooper grabs a handful, ripping it up the middle.
52. He gets away with a yellow and Sargent changes his shirt.
54. Stoke 0-0 Derby
55. Image source, Getty Images
56. Early opportunity for the home side.
57. Milion Manhoef sends a cross into the middle that Bae Junho can only head straight at Rams keeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.
59. Norwich 0-0 Millwall
60. Richard Langley
61. Former QPR midfielder on BBC Radio London
62. Norwich look a big physical side. It could be a tough one and I think that Alex Neill will be looking for his side to catch Norwich on the break.
64. Middlesbrough 0-0 Swansea
65. Swansea have made the brighter start at The Riverside and win a dangerous free-kick but Ji-sung Eom wastes a promising opportunity with a curling cross which evades everyone.
67. #bbcfootball
68. We’re four games into the Championship season, and three of those have had extraordinary stoppage-time drama.
69. Got your breath back?
70. Good, we go again. Six more games kick-off right now… who knows what they have in store for us.
72. Oxford v Portsmouth (15:00 BST)
73. Dan George
74. BBC Sport at Kassam Stadium
75. Image source, BBC Sport
76. Good afternoon from Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium where both sets of fans are drumming up a decent noise.
77. Football is back and we’re happy to have it, the sun is out and everyone here is pretty much ready to go.
78. Colby Bishop starting will be a welcome boost for Portsmouth although no Josh Murphy in the squad is a worry.
79. I’m also looking forward to getting a first look at Will Lankshear who joined Oxford just a few days ago on loan from Tottenham and comes straight into the team.
80. It is great to be back!
82. West Brom v Blackburn (15:00 BST)
83. Former Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason will lead West Bromwich Albion out in the Championship for the first time as his new side host Valerien Ismael’s Blackburn Rovers.
84. Mason was appointed in June for his first permanent managerial role, having previously been caretaker for Spurs during his seven-year coaching career at the Premier League club.
85. His first game might be a tricky one, with Rovers boss Ismael all too familiar with the Hawthorns’ patrons after a seven month spell with the club during the 2021-22 season.
86. Rovers won 2-0 at Albion last season and have lost just one of the past seven meetings between the sides while the visitors are seeking a fifth straight victory in their opening game of a season.
88. Stoke v Derby (15:00 BST)
89. These pair faced one another on the final day of last season at Pride Park.
90. A dull 0-0 draw was enough to see both clubs retain their Championship status amid contrasting ends to the campaign.
91. A five-match unbeaten run through the end of March and into April looked like it would be enough to mean a comfortable final few weeks but the Potters failed to score in their final three matches, including a 6-0 drubbing at title winners Leeds to leave themselves in a precarious position at the start of the last day.
92. Meanwhile, things had looked pretty dire for the Rams before six wins from their final 11 games secured safety.
93. Both of these teams will hope there’ll be no need for such concerns come May next year.
95. QPR v Preston (15:00 BST)
96. These pair know a thing or two about false starts in recent years.
97. The R’s are looking to avoid some unwanted club history today. Should they fall to defeat then for the first time in their history they’ll have lost their season-opener four years on the trot.
98. That said, Preston haven’t won their opening league match of the season since August 2018.
99. Their opponent that day? QPR.

Page 4

1. Oxford United v Portsmouth (15:00 BST)
2. Image source, Getty Images
3. Image caption,
4. Oxford United manager Gary Rowett
5. Is it too early to label this a relegation six-pointer. Absolutely…. and disrespectful to boot. But bookies do believe Oxford United and Portsmouth will spend most of the season looking down rather than up.
6. Gary Rowett ensured a second season in the Championship for the Us with a 17th placed finish in their first second tier campaign since 1998-99 which was a triumph of sorts.
7. But he will be looking to push on this campaign having established a firm foothold despite admitting this week that they are not operating on the sort of budget available to some of the bigger guns.
8. Portsmouth, who finished a point ahead of today’s rivals in 16th, are familiar foes having been in the same division for 11 of the last 12 seasons and given John Mousinho was Rowett’s captain at Burton Albion.
9. They will be physical as usual and if Oxford are to claim maximum points in their league opener, they will have to beat Pompey for the first time since recording a 3-2 victory in February 2022.
11. Middlesbrough v Swansea (15:00 BST)
12. Image source, Rex Features
13. A great deal has changed since Middlesbrough beat Swansea 1-0 at The Riverside on the opening day of last season.
14. Emmanuel Latte Lath’s first-half penalty separated the sides 364 days ago and while the Ivorian striker now plies his trade in the MLS, Michael Carrick and Luke Williams, the respective coaches that day, have also moved on after disappointing campaigns.
15. Former Luton boss Rob Edwards will lead Boro out for the first time, aiming to guide his side to a sixth straight home win over the Swans and make it back-to-back wins on opening day for the first time since 1994, a season when Boro ended up as Champions, I’ll have you know.
16. Alan Sheehan has been handed the Swans job on a permanent basis and is seeking to end his side’s four-match winless run in season openers.
17. Who will hit the ground running?
19. Norwich v Millwall (15:00 BST)
20. Image source, Rex Features
21. Image caption,
22. Norwich City boss Liam Manning takes the reins against Millwall
23. Disappointing was the word as Norwich finished their 2024-25 in the bottom half of the table and jettisoned their manager, Johannes Hoff Thorup, in April.
24. The Canaries worked hard to bring in Liam Manning, fresh from hitting the bar with Bristol City in the play offs, and his new broom is charged with restarting the yoyo for a club that had four promotions and four relegations between 2011-23.
25. Manning has been allowed to refresh with 11 new faces through the door but it remains to be seen how badly they will miss the departed Borja Sainz, who top scored for the Canaries with 19 goals.
26. Alex Neil’s Millwall fell two points short of the playoffs last term – a familiar feeling for a club which has finished ninth or above in three of the last four campaigns.
27. An extra push to get to the post-season for the first time since 2001-02 is the aim but it is worth noting they have not beaten Norwich away since 1968.
29. #bbcefl
30. Here’s the remainder of today’s opening day line-up in the second tier.
31. All games kick off at 15:00 BST unless stated.

• Middlesbrough v Swansea City
• Norwich City v Millwall
• Oxford United v Portsmouth
• Queens Park Rangers v Preston North End
• Stoke City v Derby County
• West Bromwich Albion v Blackburn Rovers
• Sheffield United v Bristol City (17:30 BST)

2. #bbcefl
3. A lot of early excitement from our three games so far.
4. Let’s turn our attention to the remainder of today’s Championship line-up..
6. FT: Southampton 2-1 Wrexham
7. Barry Horne
8. Former Wales and Wrexham midfielder on BBC Radio Wales
9. Southampton dominated the last half hour and they would have been desperate to win.
10. Phil Parkinson and his players will have learnt a lot from that.
12. FT: Southampton 2-1 Wrexham
13. Southampton have won as many home games this season as they did in the entirely of last season.
14. Drink it in, Saints fans…
16. Charlton 1-0 Watford
17. Charlton’s late strike takes the three points on their return to the Championship.
18. There are a few flashpoints being calmed down in the centre circle but that was probably a justifiable win for Nathan Jones’s men.
19. It was a frenetic final few minutes with Watford feeling they should have had a penalty when Thomas Kaminski crumpled Nestory Irankunda.
20. And it is hard to see why that was not given.
21. But on balance, Charlton carved out the better of the chances and could have won by a larger margin had the cards fallen more kindly.
22. Both managers will no doubt have words to say about penalty shouts with Charlton’s Josh Edwards having a big shout when coming together with Jeremy Ngakia earlier in the second half.
24. FT: Southampton 2-1 Wrexham
25. Jo Tessem
26. Ex-Southampton midfielder on BBC Radio Solent
27. Fantastic.
28. When that first goal went in from Ryan Manning you knew we could win it, you could see it in the Wrexham players. It was a fantastic free-kick.
29. They got tired and we worked and worked. You need that fitness.
31. Coventry 0-0 Hull City
32. Image source, Rex Features
33. Honours even in this game between a team beaten in the play-offs and one who stayed up on goal difference last season.
35. Harvey Knibbs (90+5 mins)
36. And Charlton have nicked it…
37. A corner on the left is slung to the back post by Conor Coventry and Lloyd Jones does enough to get the ball back into the mixer where Harvey Knibbs hammers home from six yards out.
39. Southampton 2-1 Wrexham
40. Extraordinary.
41. How we have missed this mayhem.
42. Wrexham were so good in that first half, they deserved their lead, given to them by Josh Windass’ penalty after Kieffer Moore was shoved over in the box. They might have had more goals too, with Windass hitting the bar and a couple of other chances going close.
43. Saints woke up late in the first half, with Jay Robinson hitting the post, but although they dominated the ball and territory in the second half, Wrexham still had the better chances, Lewis O’Brien unable to convert when racing clear and Ryan Hardie being denied by a crucial fingertip save by Gavin Bazunu.
44. In the end it was Ryan Manning who changed the tide for Will Still, sent on with 18 minutes to go, curling a gorgeous 25-yard free-kick in to equalise with seconds of normal time to play and then rolling across the box for Jack Stephens to slam home the winner in the 96th minute.
45. If this is anything to go by, this might well turn out to be the best Championship season of all time.
47. Southampton 2-1 Wrexham
48. Jo Tessem
49. Ex-Southampton midfielder on BBC Radio Solent
50. It’s that ball over the top and we win it.
51. This goes back to that Bazunu save.
52. What an impact Ryan Manning has had.
54. Charlton 0-0 Watford
55. Big shout for a penalty and it looks as though Thomas Kaminski has got away with one there.
56. The Charlton keeper and Nestory Irankunda are in a footrace for a ball on the right side of the Addicks area and the striker wins it and crosses.
57. Kaminski is committed to the challenge and brings him down.
59. Jack Stephens (90+6 mins)
60. Welcome back to the Championship…..
61. Absolute mayhem in the Wrexham box as a long diagonal beats Ryan Longman and drops to Ryan Manning who fires across the six yard box from the left of the area where Jack Stephens slides in at the far post to slam home via the underside of the crossbar.
62. What a comeback.
63. What a match.
64. What an impact Ryan Manning has made.
66. Southampton 1-1 Wrexham
67. It’s all Saints now. They have won a couple of corners, but can they make them count?
68. Cameron Archer can’t quite stretch his neck muscles enough to get a decisive touch on a looping header in the box and the ball drifts wide for a goal-kick.
70. Southampton 1-1 Wrexham
71. Jo Tessem
72. Ex-Southampton midfielder on BBC Radio Solent
73. Southampton need to move the ball a little bit quicker and try and stretch Wrexham because they are so tired now.
74. It’s been one way traffic but it’s just that slowness on the ball but we have done all we can to get that second goal.
76. Charlton 0-0 Watford
77. Robert Apter picks up the ball on the right front edge and dances across just outside the 18 yard area looking for an opening.
78. His has a go but his curling effort from 20 yards just fizzes over the upright.
80. Southampton 1-1 Wrexham
81. The temperature was hot anyway but it’s gone up a notch…
82. James McClean is penalised for a barge on Ryan Fraser and Saints have a free-kick and he has a caution.
83. They think they can turn it around in stoppage-time… and they might yet. We’re into the six added minutes.
85. Southampton 1-1 Wrexham
86. Adam Blackmore
87. BBC Radio Solent sports editor
88. What a moment for Ryan Manning and that has really helped Will Still at the start of his tenure
89. Image source, Getty Images

Page 5

1. Charlton 0-0 Watford
2. Ex Stockport County striker and summer capture Isaac Olaofe makes his debut for Charlton as Sony Carey gives way.
3. And for Watford Max Alleyne replaces James Abankwah.
5. Charlton 0-0 Watford
6. Geoff Doyle
7. Commentator on BBC Three Counties Radio
8. It almost feels like both teams are settling for this draw.
10. Ryan Manning (90 mins)
11. Image source, Getty Images
12. It did have another goal in it…
13. George Dobson brings down Shea Charles 25 yards out and what a free-kick from Ryan Manning… bend, whip, power, left-footed, curling away from Danny Ward and inside the post.
14. The roof comes off St Mary’s.
15. Saints’ finishing has been a little suspect, but that goal makes up for all of it.
17. Coventry 0-0 Hull City
18. Well, well, well.
19. Eight minutes of time added on at the end of this one.
21. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
22. What a save from Gavin Bazunu.
23. Saints go to sleep at the back and Ryan Hardie pounces, going into the box and firing in a bobbling shot which the big keeper somehow gets down to his left to fingertip around the upright.
24. How crucial could that be?
25. Wrexham could have been out of sight. But this game feels like it has another goal in it…
27. Charlton 0-0 Watford
28. Long throw from the right from Watford causes panic in the six yard area as Kayne Ramsay fluffs his first attempt to clear.
29. Fortunately for him the ball sticks beneath his feet and he hacks away with no Watford striker pressing.
30. He gets a big pat on his back from Egil Selvik for his efforts.
32. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
33. Jo Tessem
34. Ex-Southampton midfielder on BBC Radio Solent
35. It’s a bit panicky from Southampton. You need quality in front of goal because you never score if you panic.
37. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
38. Wrexham fans are loving their new keeper.
39. Singing debutant Danny Ward’s name as he comes off his line to claim a long throw into the mixer and relieve the pressure on his backline, for a moment at least.
41. Charlton 0-0 Watford
42. Kevin Keben gives away a needless free kick on Watford’s right flank, nudging Josh Edwards in the back as he shepherded the ball out.
43. It comes to nothing as Watford clear but that was Edwards’ final contribution as he is repalced by Macauley Gillesphey.
44. Tyreese Campbell’s race is run as well as he gives way for Harvey Knibbs.
46. Coventry 0-0 Hull City
47. Just a shade over five minutes to play.
48. We’re heading towards a first goalless draw between these two sides since October 2010.
49. Image source, Rex Features
51. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
52. Saints fans are getting frustrated as Wrexham are slowing the game down.
53. Liberato Cacace’s debut is over, James McClean is getting a warm welcome as he emerges from the Wrexham bench.
54. Six minutes of normal time and similar of added time to come, you’d expect.
55. Wrexham are withstanding the pressure, so far…
58. get involved#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
59. Two clear penalties not given, what role has this ref got in Deadpool 4?
60. Both those chances at Southampton in the box are penalties in the Prem…
62. Coventry 0-0 Hull City
63. And now a double swap for the home side.
64. Ben Sheaf and Miguel Brau are on for Frank Lampard’s men, it’s a Coventry debut for the latter.
66. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
67. Dafydd Pritchard
68. BBC Sport Wales at St Mary’s Stadium
69. Referee James Bell has been unpopular with both teams and sets of fans today.
70. Wrexham think they should have a penalty for Jack Stephens foul on Lewis O’Brien, while Southampton want one as Joshua Quarshie falls under pressure from Max Cleworth.
71. Image source, Rex Features
73. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
74. Ross Stewart is coming on for Saints, replacing defender Ronnie Edwards.
75. I’d struggle to tell you the Saints formation now but it’s something like 2-4-4.
76. Will Still is not going to die wondering…
78. Charlton 0-0 Watford
79. Watford’s James Abankwah is down receiving treatment on the pitch which gives the green light for everyone to take a breath and grab a drink.
81. Coventry 0-0 Hull City
82. On comes Joe Gelhardt for the away side in place of Abu Kamara.
83. The forward joined up for another loan spell from Leeds this morning.
85. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
86. Joshua Quarshie is not happy as he has his shirt pulled by Sam Smith as he tries to get free to meet a cross at the back-post, tumbling to turf with an imploring look at James Bell, only for the referee to say nothing doing.
87. Seen ’em given category, is that, he rightly feels hard done by.
89. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
90. For a moment Lewis O’Brien looked like he would seal the game for Wrexham.
91. He nipped in with a header on halfway to dash into acres of green space ahead of him, but he takes one touch too many on the edge of the box and Jack Stephens is able to muscle his way back in to guide the ball through to Gavin Bazunu.
92. Huge chance goes begging.
94. Charlton 0-0 Watford
95. Multiple changes at the 72 minutes mark.
96. Charlie Kelman’s afternoon is over with Miles Leaburn replacing the Charlton striker.
97. Watford boss Paulo Pezzolano makes a triple switch with Moussa Sissoko, Imran Louza and Mamadou Doumbia off and Jack Grieves, Edo Kayembe and Tom Ince replacing them.

Page 6

1. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
2. Ryan Longman’s first involvement is to swing in a perfect cross from the right flank which none of his Wrexham team-mates gamble on.
3. He waves his arms in frustration as the ball sails across the six yard box and out the other side.
5. Charlton 0-0 Watford
6. Glorious opportunity for Watford as Jeremy Ngakia slings a perfect cross in from the right sideline and Hector Kyprianou gets a free header but can’t direct it goalwards.
7. That was their best chance and they have fluffed it.
9. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
10. Barry Horne
11. Former Wales and Wrexham midfielder on BBC Radio Wales
12. Conor Coady has been superb, he’s been immense in the heart of that Wrexham defence.
14. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
15. We’re at cramp o’clock, 70 minutes into a lunchtime game on a very hot opening day.
16. Players from both sides are down on the deck.
17. Ryan Manning is coming on for Wellington at left-back for the hosts while Cameron Archer is on for Flynn Downes.
18. Wrexham are swapping Josh Windass, the match-winner at present, for debutant Ryan Hardie with Ryan Longman replacing Ryan Barnett.
19. So many Ryans… Fraser is still on for Saints too.
22. get involved#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
23. Jon Evans: I hope the EFL never implement VAR. Football is so much better without it, as I’m reminded every time I watch EFL games.
25. Coventry 0-0 Hull City
26. The away side make a double change as Oli McBurnie, who joined very recently, and Kasey Palmer come on for Regan Slater and Kyle Joseph.
28. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
29. Joshua Quarshie is rapid.
30. The Saints debutant is alive to the danger as Wrexham seek to spring a counter and send Sam Smith down the right but Quarshie gets across and uses his strength to win the ball back and find keeper Gavin Bazunu.
31. Straight down the other end and there’s another glimpse of goal for Jay Robinson who fires too close to Danny Ward, while Mateus Fernandes fires just past the post seconds later.
32. Can’t take your eyes off it.
34. Charlton 0-0 Watford
35. Geoff Doyle
36. Commentator on BBC Three Counties Radio
37. It’s 0-0 but it’s exciting as there’s not much in the game.
38. Charlton have had chances but Watford have been the better team.
40. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
41. Dafydd Pritchard
42. BBC Sport Wales at St Mary’s Stadium
43. Image source, Rex Features
44. Wrexham’s fans are having a party in the away end, bouncing up and down and singing constantly.
45. It’s 43 years since they last saw their team at this level, and they’re savouring every moment.
47. Charlton 0-0 Watford
48. Watford’s big summer signing Nestory Irankunda, latterly of Swiss side Grasshoppers where he was on loan from parent club Bayern Munich, is on for Kwadwo Baah.
50. Coventry 0-0 Hull City
51. The home side go to their bench and striker Haji Wright is on for forward Ephron Mason-Clark for the remaining 23 minutes or so.
53. Charlton 0-0 Watford
54. Tyreese Campbell flashes a ball across the Watford box which is deflected by Egil Selvik’s knee and it is Marc Bola who keeps his cool to knock the ball behind for a corner.
55. Charlton are clearly sensing they could get something out of this game with both Campbell and Charlie Kelman looking a threat.
57. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
58. Adam Blackmore
59. BBC Radio Solent sports editor
60. Southampton have the possession and territory but I don’t think Wrexham will care about that if they don’t have any opportunities at goal.
62. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
63. Wrexham’s promotion from League One last season was built on the foundation of defensive stability.
64. They kept 24 clean sheets in their 46 games.
65. What Phil Parkinson would give for another today, but Southampton are going to make them work for it like they have never worked before… every player is behind the ball and in the Wrexham half at present.
67. Charlton 0-0 Watford
68. Derek Payne
69. Former Watford midfielder on BBC Three Counties Radio
70. Image source, Rex Features
71. The momentum is building from Watford.
72. You have to look at what subs the managers are going to make as that could change the game.
74. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
75. Mateus Fernandes and new signing Damion Downs are coming on for Saints with Yukinari Sugawara and Adam Armstrong making way.
76. A new phase of the game has begun.
78. Charlton 0-0 Watford
79. Josh Edwards with a huge and prolonged appeal after he appears to be tripped by Jeremy Ngakia as the pair chase one down the left channel and into the area.
80. Ooh… that could have gone in Charlton’s favour with the Watford defender looking distinctly nervous as he looked back to the referee from the turf.
81. A let off for Watford.
83. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
84. Dafydd Pritchard
85. BBC Sport Wales at St Mary’s Stadium
86. Southampton’s fans are on their feet at the prospect of Mateus Fernandes coming on.
87. They’re all singing the Portuguese’s name – and praying he stays beyond this transfer window.
89. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
90. Flynn Downes finds Adam Armstrong on the left of the area with a lovely flick with the outside of his boot but Lewis Brunt does well to dive in and put the Saints striker off as he pulls the trigger, dragging his angled effort rather tamely past the far post of Danny Ward’s goal.
92. Coventry 0-0 Hull City
93. The Tigers have a good recent record at Coventry, with four wins from their past six league visits there.
94. Indeed, in the past seven league meetings between the two Cov have come out on top only once.

Page 7

1. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
2. Saints have dominated the opening 10 minutes of the second half (Wrexham have completed only four passes) but out of nothing a ball over the top sends Sam Smith through into the area where Jack Stephens needs to make a vital sliding challenge to prevent the chance of the sub getting his shot off.
4. Charlton 0-0 Watford
5. Greg Docherty goes in the book for a foul on Moussa Sissoko to give the visitors a dead ball chance from around 23-24 yards in a central position.
6. The free kick is weak and easily gathered.
7. Kwadwo Baah then follows Docherty into the book after tussling with Josh Edwards and throwing in a bit of back-chat to the referee for good measure.
9. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
10. Sam Smith is being sent on for Kieffer Moore, who made a huge impact on his Wrexham debut.
11. Can Smith keep the pressure on?
13. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
14. Image source, PA Media
15. Long chat among the Saints coaches, with Will Still and Adam Lallana to the fore, and immediately four subs are sent off to warm up, including Damion Downs and Matheus Fernandes, who Saints fans will hope are potential game-changers.
16. We’re back under way after the stoppage for treatment to Kieffer Moore. He’s trying to run it off but I suspect he won’t be on much longer.
18. Coventry 0-0 Hull City
19. That’s as close as either side have come to breaking the deadlock as Milan Van Ewijk sees an effort come back off the crossbar.
21. Charlton 0-0 Watford
22. Jeremy Ngakia switches play from right to left with a pinged ball out to Mamadou Doumbia who takes a touch and arrows a superb ball behind the defensive line.
23. It just needs a bit of anticipation from Luca Kjerrumgaard but he is a little slow to react and it fizzes to safety.
25. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
26. Kieffer Moore morphs into his old Wales teammate Gareth Bale down the left, gliding inside a defender towards the area and opting to unleash a powerful strike at the precise moment Shea Charles comes in with a thunderous block.
27. The ball squirts away to safety and Moore’s ankle probably has whiplash at least and he’ll need some treatment.
29. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
30. Oooh how Saints fans want VAR back.
31. Shea Charles finds room on the right of the Wrexham box to cut inside and unleash a shot which deflects behind off the outstretched arm of Max Cleworth, who is already on a yellow.
33. Coventry 0-0 Hull City
34. Early chance after the break for Abu Kamara for the away side but Carl Rushworth in the home goal is equal to his low effort.
35. Bit of a nervous moment for Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard, that.
36. Image source, Getty Images
38. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
39. Less than a minute into the second half and Josh Windass winds up an audacious attempt to chip Gavin Bazunu from the half-way line, only for a defender to get in the way.
40. Love them or hate them, the Red Dragons are a juggernaut of momentum and confidence at the moment.
43. We’re back under way in our three Championship lunchtime games.
46. get involved#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
47. One bright point for Southampton is Jay Robinson. For 18 he’s been excellent. Pretty convinced Southampton have a one out one in policy on wonderkids!
49. #bbcefl
50. Image source, Getty Images
51. Time never stands still and nor does the Championship it seems.
52. Of the teams who started last season in this division only one manager remains in the same position – John Mousinho is the last man standing on deck while watching others depart or merely swap one badge for another.
53. Struggling to keep up? Well fortunately we’ve got it all covered for you with our comprehensive Championship preview to get you fully up to date with what has been happening over the summer.
55. HT: Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
56. Barry Horne
57. Former Wales and Wrexham midfielder on BBC Radio Wales
58. I’ve enjoyed that first half immensely. Wrexham have been a joy to watch, it’s been exciting.
59. The ref got booed off but he’s played his part in an exciting game.
60. Southampton have had the better chances but Wrexham have had theirs too.
61. It’s been a terrific first half of football in this new season.
62. Phil Parkinson will be delighted.
64. Charlton 0-0 Watford
65. Lloyd Jones gets his head to the last chance of the half but can’t get any sort of power or meaningful direction into it, Egil Selvik falling on the ball to smother.
66. But Addicks boss Nathan Jones will be marginally the happier of the two managers with his side creating the two clearest chances in a frenetic opening first period.
67. Selvik has proved equal to both efforts from Jones and Greg Docherty while for the visitors Kwadwo Baah has proved the liveliest threat without forcing Thomas Kaminski into action.
69. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
70. Image source, Getty Images
71. Wrexham are a proper Championship team, make no mistake about it.
72. Six debutants in their starting XI but they have played with fluidity and caused Southampton a lot of problems.
73. Ronnie Edwards’ shove on Kieffer Moore in the box allowed Josh Windass to slam home the only goal from the penalty spot on 22 minutes but Windass has also hit the bar with a curler while Lewis Brunt nodded over and Conor Coady missed from close range. Wrexham will also think Edwards should have been sent-off, and it’s hard to argue.
74. Saints have huffed and puffed but their finishing has let them down, Shea Charles and Adam Armstrong were denied by Danny Ward, Ryan Fraser went close but Jay Robinson’s last-gasp volley which bounced back off the upright was as close as they have come.
75. Box Office stuff this.
77. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
78. Inches away from an equaliser as the ball is swung to the back stick, Jay Robinson’s angled volley bounces out off the far upright and Adam Armstrong’s follow-up is blocked on the line by the perfectly-positioned Conor Coady.
79. Wow.
80. Image source, PA Media
83. get involved#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
84. Southampton fans seem to have forgotten they’re back in the Champ where football is a contact sport…
85. Some serious reality checks needed here among the Wrexham hysteria. Moore and Windass have 2 decent Championship level seasons between them! And both are old. I think they’ll be lucky to stay up.
86. Folks, can’t we just play nicely…?
88. Coventry 0-0 Hull
89. Coventry have had the better of it, but have spurned a host of half-chances.
90. Hull have had to battle, but new boss Sergej Jakirovic will probably be content to be going in level at the break.
92. Coventry 0-0 Hull
93. Another dig from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto in the first half, after being given way too much time and space on the edge of the box, but this time he can only drag his low shot from the edge of the D past the near post.
94. He’s better than that, and his face suggests he knows it.

Page 8

1. Charlton 0-0 Watford
2. Derek Payne
3. Former Watford midfielder on BBC Three Counties Radio
4. Watford are the better team and if they realise that and believe in themselves then they can win this game but they are worrying at the back sometimes.
6. Charlton 0-0 Watford
7. Greg Docherty rises higher than anyone in a crowded penalty area as Rob Apter sends an inswinging frees kick in from the left.
8. Docherty’s glanced header is saved low just inside the far post by Egil Selvik.
9. Another good chance for Charlton who have engineered the best openings.
11. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
12. Ryan Fraser is alive in the box when Wrexham go to sleep, sneaking in to slide onto a ball which looks destined to roll out of play, only for his angled effort from five yards out to flick off Danny Ward at his near post and fly away across the face of goal.
13. Saints on top as we approach half-time.
15. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
16. Adam Armstrong scored 24 goals the last time Southampton were promoted from this division, and he’s back at St Mary’s leading the line after a sub-par loan at West Brom last season.
17. He has a glimpse of goal here from just outside the box but can only fire straight down the throat of Danny Ward, meat and drink for the keeper.
18. Saints fans wanted a penalty after Jay Robinson, who looks sprightly, went down in the box under pressure from Matty James but ref James Bell adjudges it was shoulder-to-shoulder.
20. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
21. Jo Tessem
22. Ex-Southampton midfielder on BBC Radio Solent
23. Matty James is having a big influence in the game. He very cleverly sits in that position.
24. He doesn’t need to run much, he’s just clever.
26. Coventry 0-0 Hull
27. Image source, Rex Features
28. A barnstorming run down the Sky Blues left from Jay DaSilva sees him get into the box and all the way to the byline, but he puts just too much on his cross and lifts it across the face of goal, beyond everyone, and out the far side of the area.
30. Charlton 0-0 Watford
31. A good high press from Charlton loads pressure on Watford’s back line who continue to try and pass their way through it.
32. No one has epitomised the effort levels more than the Addicks’ Josh Edwards who whips a dangerous cross up top before winning a battle with Kwadwo Baah in the left-back position.
33. Addicks boss Nathan Jones will be happy with the effort levels from his side so far.
36. get involved#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
37. Image source, PA Media
38. Haydn Brown: Moore and Windass are going to do some damage in this team together!
39. Richard: Wrexham are currently the 21st ranked team in the country.
41. Coventry 0-0 Hull
42. The Sky Blues are continuing to have the better of it but Jack Rudoni, so often their talisman, has seen a looping header back across goal from a corner acrobatically saved by Ivor Pandur in the Hull goal.
43. One for the cameras, they used to call it… but it still needed saving.
45. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
46. Image source, Getty Images
47. Phil Parkinson is now not only a well known name on reality TV, but also in referees’ notebooks.
48. He’s just picked up his first (and not last) yellow card of the season for a bit too much backchat to James Bell.
49. He may well be asking how on earth Southampton have yet to pick up a yellow card, which I can sympathise with, in fairness.
52. get involved#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
53. Image source, Rex Features
54. Has to be a stonewall red card for the push on Kieffer Moore that resulted in the penalty – Moore is six yards out & just about to pull the trigger….no attempt to play the ball from the defender. Unbelievable that Saints still have 11 men on the pitch.
56. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
57. Kieffer Moore is a PROBLEM for Southampton’s defence, in particular Ronnie Edwards who can’t keep his hands of him.
58. James Bell penalises the Saints man again and it nearly costs them dearly as Lewis Brunt is left unmarked to head the curling set-piece back across goal and inches over Gavin Bazunu’s bar.
59. Saints fans have gone very quiet.
61. Charlton 0-0 Watford
62. Paul Mortimer
63. Former Charlton midfielder on BBC Radio London
64. The midfield have to be better. We need to be looking to getting the ball in to Sonny Carey because he can be the bridge to getting the ball to Charlie Kelman and Tyreece Campbell.
66. Charlton 0-0 Watford
67. Hector Kyprianou receives the first caution of the match for breaking up a rapid Charlton break with an agricultural hack on Tyreese Campbell.
68. The ensuing passage of play finishes with Rob Apter curling one from distance that just goes past the far post.
70. Coventry 0-0 Hull
71. Brandon Thomas-Asante wants a penalty, but he’s not going to get one.
72. He takes a heavy touch which takes him away from goal in the box, he does however stretch to retrieve it and gets there a fraction of a second before the recovering Regan Slater.
73. The Sky Blues man takes a tumble, and looks at ref Bobby Madley, but nothing doing.
74. No VAR in the Championship, remember. if there was we’d probably have a seven minute stoppage for this…
76. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
77. Wrexham’s Max Cleworth has his name taken after being spun on halfway by Jay Robinson and getting a handful of the Saints man’s shirt to prevent him breaking away.
80. get involved#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
81. As a Sheffield Wednesday supporter it was obvious Windass was going to score. How to run a football club versus how not to. Thanks a lot Chansiri.
82. Cool from Windass, idiotic from Edwards.
84. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
85. Dafydd Pritchard
86. BBC Sport Wales at St Mary’s Stadium
87. “We are top of the league,” sing Wrexham’s delirious travelling fans.
88. Given the balance of play, it’s a well deserved lead too.
89. Dream start for Phil Parkinson and his players.
91. Southampton 0-1 Wrexham
92. Barry Horne
93. Former Wales and Wrexham midfielder on BBC Radio Wales
94. Image source, Rex Features
95. Fantastic penalty, keeper went the right way but it was the pace.
96. Both Wrexham strikers have started fantastically well. What a 22 minutes it’s been, it’s been entertaining.
97. Wrexham have been direct and have been getting the ball forward. Phil Parkinson will be absolutely delighted.
99. Charlton 0-0 Watford
100. First corner of the match goes to Watford and Hector Kyprianou is close to getting his head on it, just mistiming his jump in a crowded six yard area, going down when he needs to be going up.
101. Charlton forced the first save but Watford are the better side so far.

Page 9

1. Josh Windass (pen, 22 mins)
2. They’re at it again…
3. Josh Windass keeps his cool to slam a low spot-kick to Gavin Bazunu’s left, just out of the keeper’s reach, and Wrexham fans are celebrating their first goal in the second tier since 1982.
5. Southampton 0-0 Wrexham
6. Barry Horne
7. Former Wales and Wrexham midfielder on BBC Radio Wales
8. It’s definitely a penalty.
9. Both hands were on Kieffer Moore.
11. Southampton 0-0 Wrexham
12. Kieffer Moore is threaded through by Josh Windass, drives towards goal and then goes down in the box after a push from Ronnie Edwards.
13. He might be a bit fortunate to escape further punishment from ref James Bell there, he was the wrong side and nowhere near the ball.
15. Southampton 0-0 Wrexham
16. Chaos in the Wrexham box, Danny Ward produces a smart save to his left to turn away Shea Charles’ first-time strike from 12 yards, the ball is worked back into the middle, another shot is blocked and then Flynn Downes slashes an effort wide of target from just inside the area, leaving him with head in hands.
18. Coventry 0-0 Hull
19. Image source, Getty Images
20. Charlie Hughes had a bit of a shaky start at the back for Hull and misjudged a couple of aerial balls but he’s done brilliantly to hold off Brandon Thomas-Asante in his own box there and win a free-kick.
21. Jack Rudoni’s came close with an effort a few moments ago which was expertly crucially past the post by a Tigers foot.
23. Southampton 0-0 Wrexham
24. Josh Windass is having fun playing for Wrexham, you can see it.
25. He latches onto a flick-on and is afforded way too much space to take a touch, come back inside and then curl a dipping angled effort across Gavin Bazunu’s goal, beating the keeper but thudding into the top of the crossbar.
26. Would have been a picture book debut goal.
29. get involved#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
30. Not convinced by Saints pre-season games. The same old problems are surfacing. Leaky at the back, not enough firepower up front. I still believe we will finish top five, but we need to be convincing today against a Wrexham side with nothing to lose, and a lot to gain. When will we learn? Buying players with potential is not the same as buying players with proven experience at the highest level. Remember Norwich’s yo-yo campaigns?
32. Charlton 0-0 Watford
33. Derek Payne
34. Former Watford midfielder on BBC Three Counties Radio
35. Image source, Getty Images
36. I thought it would take Watford time to do what they are doing now which is having the ball. They will be delighted with the possession they’ve had so far.
37. I’m surprised Charlton are playing out from the back at times.
38. Watford should be pleased, apart from the shaky started they are now dominating and now it’s about turning that into chances.
40. Charlton 0-0 Watford
41. Pinball inside Charlton’s penalty area ends with a wild slash from Moussa Sissoko that flies yards wide. But Watford have settled a little now and are beginning to gain some possession.
43. Coventry 0-0 Hull
44. New Coventry keeper Carl Rushworth does brilliantly to spread himself and deny Regan Slater who had been played in behind the Sky Blues’ defence.
45. The flag was up, but the keeper didn’t know that. Great save and the debutant will have endeared himself to the home fans already.
47. Southampton 0-0 Wrexham
48. Not sure quite how many people are up on the West Coast of the USA for this game at 4.30 AM, but any early risers are being treated to a terrific spectacle so far and end-to-end stuff played at 100mph with 100% commitment.
49. It’s been a long 11 weeks. I’ve missed this.
51. Southampton 0-0 Wrexham
52. Dafydd Pritchard
53. BBC Sport Wales at St Mary’s Stadium
54. Image source, PA Media
55. Wrexham can be pleased with their start here.
56. Southampton flew out of the traps but their opponents’ six new signings have added real quality.
57. One of them, Conor Coady, should have his first goal for the club already. That was a glaring miss.
59. Charlton 0-0 Watford
60. An understandably frenetic start here at The Valley with both sides pumping with adrenaline.
61. And the first proper chance falls to the Addicks’ Lloyd Jones who arrives late into the box and forces a decent save from Egil Selvik.
62. Charlton have made the brighter start.
64. Southampton 0-0 Wrexham
65. Wrexham have really grown into this with Kieffer Moore already linking up well in attack.
66. A short corner is worked back to Josh Windass who whips in a wonderful cross from deep towards the back post but the unmarked Conor Coady can only prod a close-range volley over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
68. Southampton 0-0 Wrexham
69. Adam Blackmore
70. BBC Radio Solent sports editor
71. The players are getting into this early. I like the Championship for this, it’s more physical than the Premier League.
74. get involved#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
75. Am I the only one who has issues with the way Wrexham are spending loads but because it’s two great actors and not Saudi princes, they get away with it. A team that three years ago were not in the Football League should not be able to afford some of the players they have! Maybe it’s just me but I hope, even if they’re not relegated, they go no further than the Championship.
76. Don’t sit on the fence, eh, Sam…
78. Coventry 0-0 Hull
79. That might have been an incredibly early contender for goal of the season.
80. Tatsuhiro Sakamoto picks up the ball on the edge of the Tigers box, glides across a couple of defenders and whips a wonderful shot which bounces inches wide of Ivor Pandur’s right upright with the keeper beaten all ends up.
81. The Sky Blues have begun like they mean business.
83. Charlton 0-0 Watford
84. Paul Mortimer
85. Former Charlton midfielder on BBC Radio London
86. It’s been a good sharp start from Charlton, they’ve put a marker down.
87. Can we keep Watford in their own half and keep the pressure up?
89. Southampton 0-0 Wrexham
90. Dafydd Pritchard
91. BBC Sport Wales at St Mary’s Stadium
92. The atmosphere at St Mary’s is absolutely fantastic.
93. There’s barely a spare seat in the house and both sets of fans are making a great noise.
95. Southampton 0-0 Wrexham
96. It took just 45 seconds of the season before Shea Charles finds Ryan Fraser to drive through the Wrexham half and bend a low shot a yard of so to the left of Danny Ward’s far post with the keeper at full stretch.
97. Bright start from the Saints.

Page 10

1. Southampton 0-0 Wrexham
2. Barry Horne
3. Former Wales and Wrexham midfielder on BBC Radio Wales
4. This is a fantastic sight – setting out at a fantastic stadium and I can’t see too many empty seats.
6. #bbcfootball
7. The first Saturday of the 2025-25 Championship season is under way…
8. What stories do we have in store, what drama awaits us?
9. Let’s find out together…
11. Southampton v Wrexham (12:30 BST)
12. Dafydd Pritchard
13. BBC Sport Wales at St Mary’s Stadium
14. Image source, PA Media
15. Wrexham’s fans have a banner which reads ‘Oh Joey, Joey, Mr Wrexham’ at St Mary’s.
16. This is their first game since the great Joey Jones – the former Liverpool, Chelsea, Wrexham and Wales defender – died.
18. #bbcfootball
19. The sun is out and so are the teams, at The Valley, St Mary’s and the CBS Arena.
20. New season, new faces, hopes and dreams, same passion.
21. Kick-off is moments away…
23. Charlton v Watford (12:30 BST)
24. Image source, Opta
25. Nathan Jones hands a debut to Charlie Kelman who scored 21 goals for Leyton Orient in League One last season and is charged with getting the Addicks off to a flier in front of goal.
26. Fellow new striking arrivals Harvey Knibbs and Tanto Olaofe are on the bench.
27. There are debuts also for ex Luton stopper Thomas Kaminski between the sticks and Amari Bell in defence and Robert Apter.
28. Hornets boss Paulo Pezzolano hands debuts to ex-Udinese loanee Luca Kjerrumgaard up front as well as Marc Bola in defence with four further summer signings making the bench.
29. Image source, Opta
31. Southampton v Wrexham (12:30 BST)
32. 
33. Saints boss Will Still has handed Joshua Quarshie, a summer arrival from Hoffenheim a debut, though new frontman Damion Downs starts among the replacements.
34. There’s no Tyler Dibling, Sam Edozie or Joe Aribo in the Saints squad as talks continue about moves away from St Mary’s.
35. Portugal under-21 star Matheus Fernandes will seek to make an impact from the bench.
36. New season, new division, new Wrexham.
37. Phil Parkinson has handed out six debuts to summer signings, all of whom have plenty of pedigree at this level, and higher.
38. Josh Windass, Lewis O’Brien and Kieffer Moore form a new-look attack, Danny Ward starts in goal, former Leicester team-mate Conor Coady is at the heart of the defence and Liberato Cacace is also handed his first Red Dragons start.
39. Image source, Opta
41. Coventry v Hull City (12:30 BST)
42. Image source, Opta
43. Frank Lampard hands a Sky Blues debut to Brighton loanee Carl Rushworth between the sticks, though new arrivals Kayne Kesler-Hayden and Miguel Angel Brau start from the bench.
44. Frontman Haji Wright remains sidelined by injury, though Ellis Simms is named among the substitutes with Brandon Thomas-Asante preferred in attack.
45. Sergej Jakirovic has named his first XI as Tigers boss.
46. John Lundstram, on loan from Trabzonspor, is handed a debut, though fellow new faces Oli McBurnie and Joe Gelhardt, whose return on loan from Leeds was confirmed this morning, start on the bench.
47. Charlie Hughes, who has been the subject of plenty of transfer speculation, will captain the side.
48. Image source, Opta
50. Southampton v Wrexham (12:30 BST)
51. Dafydd Pritchard
52. BBC Sport Wales at St Mary’s Stadium
53. Just two years ago, Southampton were four divisions higher than Wrexham.
54. Saints ended their 2022-23 Premier League campaign with a 4-4 thriller against Liverpool while Wrexham signed off from the National League by drawing 1-1 at Torquay.
55. At St Mary’s today, they meet as equals thanks to Southampton’s relegation last season and Wrexham’s historic three successive promotions.
56. Divisional equality only goes so far, though. While Wrexham’s net spend this summer has exceeded anyone else in the Championship, they have had to radically upgrade a League One squad, whereas Southampton are still stacked with top-flight quality despite a number of notable departures.
57. This has the potential to be a fascinating match-up.
59. Southampton v Wrexham (12:30 BST)
60. Image source, Rex Features
61. Image caption,
62. Phil Parkinson has managed to keep his side focused to earn three straight promotions
63. There may not have been a Hollywood ending to Southampton’s season in the Premier League, but there’s certainly a Hollywood beginning to their life back in the Championship this afternoon.
64. Wrexham head to St Mary’s for their first game in the second tier of English football in more than 43 years.
65. Their extraordinary rise through the divisions, courtesy of back-to-back-to-back promotions under Phil Parkinson, with a host of new signings thanks to the much-publicised backing of actors and owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has Wrexham fans dreaming of yet another push for promotion.
66. Saints fans are just looking to get back to winning ways after a season in which they lost 30 of their 38 Premier League fixtures, winning only twice and accruing 12 points.
67. New boss Will Still said the club want to ‘turn the page’ on last season, and what better way to start than in a match sure to capture the attention of millions around the globe and their first league encounter with the Red Dragons in more than 65 years.
69. Charlton v Watford (12:30 BST)
70. Image source, Rex Features
71. Charlton begin life back in the Championship after five seasons away in League One with the visit of Watford to The Valley this lunchtime.
72. And their effervescent manager Nathan Jones, who guided them through the play-off minefield, beating Leyton Orient in the final at Wembley, will be hopeful of starting the campaign with a bang.
73. The Addicks have been in good form in pre-season, winning four of their six games yet Watford could be a tough proposition despite an underwhelming 14th placed finish last season.
74. Uruguayan coach Paulo Pezzolano has been backed to strengthen this summer after finishing 11 points off the play off positions last season with owner Gino Pozzo rubber-stamping a number of young additions from Europe which could transform fortunes.
76. Coventry v Hull City (12:30 BST)
77. Image source, Rex Features
78. It’s been 88 days since Dan Ballard’s stoppage-time goal in extra time broke Coventry hearts in the Championship play-off semi-final second leg and set Sunderland on the path to the promised land.
79. By contrast, Frank Lampard’s men are back to square one in their quest for promotion and will seek to make the kind of fast start which has evaded them in recent seasons, when they welcome Hull City, now led by Sergej Jakirovic, who replaced new Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles at the helm.
80. The Tigers only avoided the drop on the final day last season, but have a good record against the Sky Blues, taking 13 points from a possible 18 at Coventry in their past six visits and losing only one of their past seven encounters overall.
81. Both these sides can tell you, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, but both will want to get out of the blocks in style.
83. FT: Birmingham 1-1 Ipswich
84. Image source, Rex Features
85. The Championship curtain was raised in typically barnstorming fashion last night by the first of two clashes between sides who played their football two divisions apart last season.
86. Newly-relegated Ipswich needed a controversial stoppage-time penalty from George Hirst to snatch a point in a feisty encounter at Birmingham, who won League One at a canter last season and who went ahead through Jay Stansfield early in the second half.
87. Click here to read Adam Lanigan’s match report from pitchside.
88. Of course one of our early offerings this afternoon pits relegated Southampton against Wrexham, who were promoted as runners-up to Blues last season.
90. #bbcfootball
91. Media caption,
92. Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff, Tommy Smith and Alex Bruce preview the Championship season.
93. Are Ipswich Town the best positioned, newly relegated, side to be promoted straight back up? What are Leicester City and Southampton’s main concerns?
94. Charlton Athletic manager, Nathan Jones, joins the Football Daily 72+ pod after his side won promotion to the second tier via the League One play-offs.
95. Wrexham have made statement signings this summer, can they go for an unprecedented fourth successive promotion? And what about similarly ambitious recruiters, Birmingham City?
96. Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff, Tommy Smith and Alex Bruce preview the Championship season.
98. #bbcfootball
99. Image source, Rex Features
100. Without considerable fanfare, hype or bluster, the Championship comfortably sells itself each and every season as one of the most thrillingly competitive leagues in all of sport.
101. Parachute payments do distort the feeling of absolute parity, at the top at least, but the vast majority of the division exists in a state of relative equality that keeps competitiveness consistent and means the difference between success and failure is often paper thin.
102. That is evidenced by the sheer number of teams fluctuating between the prospect of promotion and relegation, often several times over the course of a campaign.
103. With Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester dropping down from the Premier League, albeit with two under new management, plus the prospect of Birmingham and Wrexham wanting to make a significant noise, it feels like it could be one of the strongest editions of the Championship in recent memory.
104. With the chaos ready to begin once again BBC Sport correspondents across England and Wales break down the 24 teams and what – at this stage at least, given the transfer window remains very much open – we can expect from them.
105. With 25 minutes until kick-off, there’s time to click here to see what they had to say about your team.
107. All games kick off at 15:00 BST, unless otherwise stated

• Charlton Athletic v Watford (12:30)
• Coventry City v Hull City (12:30)
• Southampton v Wrexham (12:30)
• Middlesbrough v Swansea City
• Norwich City v Millwall
• Oxford United v Portsmouth
• Queens Park Rangers v Preston North End
• Stoke City v Derby County
• West Bromwich Albion v Blackburn Rovers
• Sheffield United v Bristol City (17:30)

2. #bbcfootball
3. Image source, Rex Features
4. Welcome back!
5. No more summer fetes, trips to the garden centre or outings to the seaside, you’ve got your Saturdays back. You made it through the void. Well done, you.
6. It’s been 77 long days since Tommy Watson strode through the Sheffield United half and curled low past Michael Cooper deep into stoppage time to send Sunderland to the Premier League in one of the most dramatic Championship play-off finals in memory.
7. Today we’re stood at the starting line of the next race for the Premier League and if you take a look at the field, this really could be the most exciting contest we have seen.
8. We are welcoming some old faces back to the Championship, and some new ones too, and there is much to catch you up on, so let’s get to it.
9. Eight straight hours of pure unfiltered Championship action starts here…