Thrilling EFL Action: Watford Dominate QPR, Shocking League One Opener for Reading, Wrexham's Unfortunate League Two Return

Sky Bet Championship

The EFL kicked off with a bang as fans witnessed an array of exciting moments across the Sky Bet Championship, League One, and League Two on Saturday. The day was packed with eight-goal thrillers, red cards for both players and managers, and intense matches. Here's a rundown of the highlights from each league.

Watford made a strong statement about their potential for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship with an impressive 4-0 victory over QPR. Despite their underwhelming performance in the previous season, failing to qualify for the play-offs, the Hornets started the match in full throttle, scoring the opening goal just 36 seconds in thanks to Tom Dele-Bashiru.

Imran Louza, Matheus Martins and Vakoun Bayo added first-half goals as the Hornets ran riot against a woeful QPR.

Stoke also did the heavy lifting of their 4-1 win over Rotherham in the first half.

In the fifth minute, Ki-Jana Hoever scored the first goal, followed by Andre Vidigal scoring twice in injury time of the first half. After the break, Lee Peltier gave the Millers hope, but Cafu's red card extinguished any chances of a miraculous comeback. In the end, Jacob Brown sealed the victory with a late fourth goal for the hosts.

Plymouth secured their first Championship win in over a decade by defeating Huddersfield with a score of 3-1. The reigning League One champions made a strong start to the season, taking the lead through Morgan Whittaker in the sixth minute.

Michael Helik scored the equalizing goal for the Terriers just before halftime, but Bali Mumba and Ryan Hardie secured the victory for Argyle in the second half.

Blackburn set the stage for their 2-1 victory over West Brom with two goals in a span of two minutes in the first half.

In the 20th minute, Dilan Markanday scored the first goal, followed immediately by Ryan Leonard's successful strike. West Brom's hope was revived by Matt Phillips in the second half, but despite their efforts, they were unable to equalize. It was a frustrating day for boss Carlos Corberan as he was eventually sent off.

Norwich secured their first home victory since February as Adam Idah scored in the dying moments of injury time to clinch a 2-1 win against Hull. Initially, Liam Delap's early goal for the Tigers was countered by Jon Rowe's equalizer, setting the stage for Idah's heroic match-winner.

Millwall secured a 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough thanks to Romain Esse's goal in the 79th minute. Meanwhile, Will Keane made a successful return to Preston, scoring a late goal to earn a point in a 1-1 draw against Bristol City. Bristol had initially taken the lead through Sam Bell's opener at Ashton Gate.

Swansea's Jerry Yates made an impressive debut by scoring a goal that led to a 1-1 draw against Birmingham. Birmingham had taken the lead in the first half through Siriki Dembele's effort.

Sky Bet League One

Reading's first third-tier game in 21 years ended in defeat as Ruben Selles began life in charge of the Royals with a 1-0 defeat to Peterborough.

Ephron Mason-Clark scored just before half-time, securing a victory for the away team on their opening day of the season. The home side, who were relegated from the Championship last season, suffered a loss compounded by a six-point deduction due to financial irregularities.

In a remarkable turn of events, Barnsley put last season's devastating defeat in the play-off final behind them with an impressive 7-0 win against Port Vale at Oakwell. Devante Cole notably scored a hat-trick on the opening day, with Liam Kitching, Jon Russell, Andrew Dallas, and an own-goal from defender Dan Jones sealing the misfortune for Vale.

Blackpool had a favorable outcome following their demotion to League One, emerging as winners with a 2-0 victory against Burton at Bloomfield Road, courtesy of Shayne Lavery's two-goal performance.

Wigan commenced their return to League One on a successful note, securing a 2-1 triumph against Derby on their away turf, with striker Charlie Wyke taking charge by scoring both goals for the Latics.

Charlton's George Dobson scored a crucial goal just before half-time, leading to Leyton Orient's 1-0 defeat after their promotion from League Two. In another match between the newly promoted teams, Stevenage emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Northampton.

Exeter made an impressive start with two early goals and went on to secure a 3-0 victory away at Wycombe. Bolton dominated their home game against Lincoln, winning convincingly with a score of 3-0. Cambridge also secured a 2-0 win against Oxford.

Shrewsbury defeated Cheltenham 1-0 at the New Meadow as Bristol Rovers' visit to Portsmouth and Carlisle's game at home to Fleetwood finished 1-1.

Sky Bet League Two

Wrexham suffered a defeat in their highly anticipated return to the EFL, losing 5-3 to Milton Keynes Dons in the League Two opener at the Racecourse Ground.

The home team's excitement over promotion quickly turned into disappointment as the Dons scored two goals within the first 10 minutes. First, Eoghan O'Connell inadvertently scored an own goal, followed by Mohamed Eisa extending the visitors' lead.

Jonathan Leko scored an additional two goals after halftime, resulting in a score of 4-1. Jordan Davis managed to score one for Wrexham, but in added time, Daniel Harvey and Anthony Forde exchanged goals. Notts County, who were reduced to ten players after goalkeeper Aidan Stone was sent off, suffered a harsh wake-up call after their promotion from the National League. Omari Patrick scored two goals, while Joe Kizzi, Harry Beautyman, and Harry Smith each contributed one goal, leading to a 5-1 defeat for Notts County against Sutton.

In their first game after relegation to League Two, Forest Green suffered a 2-0 defeat at home against Salford, with Conor McAleny and Matt Smith scoring the goals. Barrow secured a 2-1 victory on the road against Tranmere, while Accrington cruised to a 3-0 win over Newport. In the Yorkshire derby, Jack Muldoon's second-half penalty sealed a 1-0 victory for Harrogate against Doncaster.

Gillingham secured a 1-0 victory on the road against Stockport. Morecambe triumphed with a 2-1 win over Walsall in their home game. Grimsby and Wimbledon played out a goalless draw. Crawley emerged victorious with a 1-0 win against Bradford, managed by Mark Hughes. Crewe and Mansfield ended their match in a 2-2 draw. Unfortunately, Colchester's scheduled home game against Swindon had to be postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.