Wednesday thrash Burnley in opener

Sheffield Wednesday made a brilliant start to the Coca-Cola Championship season as they thrashed Burnley 4-1 at Hillsborough.

Marcus Tudgay put the Owls ahead in the first minute and Akpo Sodje finished well for a second just three minutes later, but Martin Paterson (six) headed the Clarets back into the game on his debut. Sodje (17) tapped in a third and Tudgay (65) made it four.

Preston came from behind to beat promotion contenders Ipswich 2-1 at Portman Road.

Kevin Lisbie headed the Tractor Boys in front from close range in the second minute but Paul McKenna (21) conjured an equaliser with a 25-yard screamer and Simon Whaley (34) slid in a second to seal all three points for the visitors.

Crystal Palace and Watford, last season's defeated play-off semi-finalists, fought out a scrappy goalless draw at Selhurst Park.

Steve Brooker's injury-time goal gave beaten play-off finalists Bristol City a 1-0 win at Blackpool.

A late goal from Roger Johnson gave Cardiff a 2-1 victory over Southampton at Ninian Park.

The Bluebirds dominated from the start but had to wait until the 41st minute for Steven Thompson to give them the lead with a precise finish. David McGoldrick then equalised on the stroke of half-time - but Johnson's header (90) clinched the points for the FA Cup finalists.

Debutant Mark Hudson's near-post header in the third minute put Charlton on the way to a 2-0 win over League One champions Swansea at The Valley. Swans' Garry Monk was sent off for two bookings in the second half before Andy Gray headed a second with five minutes left.

Elliott Ward's penalty (48) and Leon McKenzie (86) gave Coventry a 2-0 victory against Norwich at the Ricoh Arena.