Two Down - 44 To Go - But We're Looking Good!

Last updated : 16 August 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

Newcastle 3 Reading 0
Barnsley 0 Coventry 2
Blackpool 1 Cardiff 1
Bristol City 1 Crystal Palace 0
Doncaster 1 Preston 1
Ipswich 0 Leicester 0
Nottm Forest 0 West Brom 1
Peterborough 1 Sheff Wed 1
Plymouth 1 QPR 1
Scunthorpe 3 Derby 2
Sheffield Utd 2 Watford 0
Swansea 0 Middlesbrough 3

Crystal Palace were left incensed after referee Rob Shoebridge ruled out what was a perfectly good goal against Bristol City, who went on to score a late winner at Aston Gate.

The Eagles had started brightly and looked to have gone ahead when on-loan West Ham striker Freddie Sears smashed his shot into the back of the net - only for the ball to bounce straight back out.

However, after lengthy discussions with his assistant referee, Shoebridge ruled the effort had not gone in and awarded a goal kick.

To rub salt into the wounds, City went on to win the match through Nicky Maynard in the 89th minute.

Coventry moved to the top of the fledgling table after a 2-0 win at Barnsley maintained their 100% league record.

Leon Best smashed in a 25-yard free-kick to set Chris Coleman's side on their way after just six minutes.

Barnsley's job was made harder by the dismissal of defender Rob Kozluk on the hour following two quick bookings.

Clinton Morrison (81) wrapped things up late on for the Sky Blues, who had crashed out of the Carling Cup to Hartlepool in midweek.

Cardiff are second on goal difference after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Blackpool.

Michael Chopra (12) put the Bluebirds ahead, but Ian Evatt netted an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Middlesbrough, relegated from the Barclays Premier League, are third after they recorded a first win by beating Swansea 3-0 away.

Adam Johnson (32), Marvin Emnes (52) and Tuncay (82) were on target for Gareth Southgate's men.

Sheffield United, who drew 0-0 with Boro in their opening match, beat Watford 2-0 at Bramall Lane to move into the top six.

Jamie Ward (12) put the Blades ahead, with Wales striker Ched Evans, signed from Manchester City for £3million, wrapping things up in the second half.

West Brom secured a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest with an own-goal from Chris Cohen after 53 minutes.

Wales striker Robert Earnshaw missed a penalty for the home side.

Roy Keane's Ipswich had been tipped to challenge for promotion, but, after last week's defeat by Coventry, they were held to a frustrating goalless draw at home by Leicester

Martyn Woolford (82) hit a late winner for Scunthorpe, promoted via the play-offs, as they beat Derby 3-2 at Glanford Park.

Gary Hooper (17 & 44) had put the hosts in front twice during the first half either side of a goal from Paul Green (20).

Kris Commons levelled things up from the penalty spot on the hour, only for the Irons to have the final say.

Adam Lockwood struck 10 minutes from time to give Doncaster a share of the points at home to Preston, who went ahead through Chris Brown (28).

Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday drew 1-1, while an own goal from Kaspars Gorkss in stoppage time saw Plymouth snatch a point at home against QPR in another 1-1 draw.