Summary

  • Middlesbrough's unbeaten start ends with defeat at Portsmouth

  • Coventry go top with 5-0 win at crisis club Sheff Wed

  • Owls fan protests cause interruption at Hillsborough

  • Leicester win at Swansea, Millwall brush WBA aside, Southampton held at Derby

  • QPR and Watford both come from behind to win

  • Bottom side Sheff U miss late penalty in loss at Hull

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  1. Going into the break with a bang...published at 18:15 BST 4 October

    #bbcefl

    Coventry celebrateImage source, Getty Images

    Goals galore, clean sheets galore, missed penalties, own goals, unbeaten runs ending and a new team at the top of the Championship.

    Thanks for your company today, the first Saturday of October was a humdinger, but you'll be pleased to know the international break is not here just yet.

    High noon on Sunday sees the East Anglian derby as struggling Norwich head to, er, struggling Ipswich.

    The perfect game to kick-start a season, and the Tractor Boys are seeking to end a 16-year drought against their bitter foes.

    We'll be right here tomorrow for all the build-up and all the action and reaction.

    Enjoy your Saturday evening and we'll see you back here in the morning.

  2. Top Championship stories of the daypublished at 18:13 BST 4 October

    #bbcefl

    Frank Lampard of CoventryImage source, Getty Images

    Well that wraps up another thrilling afternoon of Championship action, here are six of the top stories from today's matches.

    • Coventry moved top of the Championship following an emphatic over Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough losing at Portsmouth, that defeat was also Boro's first loss of the season.
    • Watford's Jeremy Ngakia scored twice in about four minutes before half-time in their match against Oxford to win at Vicarage Road. In 110 appearances for the Hornets before today he had managed just one goal, In the space of a few minutes he added another two to that!
    • Sheffield United missed a late penalty to lose for the eighth time this season against Hull City, is pressure growing on Chris Wilder already?
    • Millwall brushed aside West Bromwich Albion with a stunning 3-0 victory at The Den that moved them up into eighth in the Championship table.
    • Leicester City broke a run of four consecutive draws to finally taste victory as they beat Swansea and jumped into third position.
    • Play was stopped during Sheffield Wednesday's match against Coventry as a small number of fans invaded the pitch in protest against their ownership.
  3. Boro 'not good enough in final third' - Edwardspublished at 18:11 BST 4 October

    FT: Portsmouth 1-0 Middlesbrough

    Middlesbrough

    Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards told BBC Radio Tees:

    "It was frustrating in the end. I'm gutted for the fans that we're not able to take something away and they enjoy the journey back.

    "It's been a really good start, today was frustrating and we have to take it on the chin and continue with the work that we're doing that is building something.

    "We had more shots than them but not enough and not enough on target certainly.

    "Once they got the goal, which was obviously avoidable from our point of view, it gave them something to hold on to as well. We weren't quite good enough in the final third ultimately.

    "We chucked as many forwards on the pitch as we could to try and get something but it didn't happen."

  4. 'We are growing as a team'published at 18:10 BST 4 October

    FT: Watford 2-1 Oxford United

    Watford

    Watford manager Paolo Pezzolano told BBC Three Counties Radio:

    "Seven points out of nine possible is great, but the most important thing is the performance and the growth of the team.

    "I liked the team very much during the first half. We could have scored that third goal to wrap up the game a little bit, but it didn't come.

    "Overall, I'm very pleased with the performance and the development of the team."

    On conceding first again: "The good thing is that the team continues to show that character, continues to show that determination and attitude to turn things around to overcome difficult and negative situations."

  5. 'We are on a journey and taking off' – Smythpublished at 18:08 BST 4 October

    FT: Bristol City 1-2 QPR

    QPR

    Goalscorer Paul Smyth told BBC Radio London:

    "We played absolutely brilliantly in the first half and they scored a goal that was unexpected. They piled on the pressure in the first half and the boys just tried to keep at 1-0 and then we could bring on the subs and make an impact.

    "It was big three points today. It would be nice to start but that is the manager’s choice to choose a team to go out there and play and the boys did brilliantly.

    "We go into every game thinking we can win and we have a lot of good individuals but we are gelling well together. It is a positive group and we are on a journey and everyone is excited to be on that journey and taking off."

  6. 'We were not sharp enough' – Struberpublished at 18:06 BST 4 October

    FT: Bristol City 1-2 QPR

    Bristol City

    Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber told BBC Radio Bristol:

    "It is a really frustrating moment for me and my boys. On the lead and I would say with some good actions but at the same time you have to be sharp in all moments.

    "We had two moments when we did not have the sharpness in the box. We had a top chance to score but we were not so sharp and we have gifted this game away with some support from the referee.

    "We can speak of course that the referee’s decisions are not of a really high level but we had chances enough to win this game. In both directions I am unhappy today.

    "We have to be critical of ourselves and we were not ready today and we were not really sharp. It was not enough and we gave the points away so cheaply."

  7. 'We were unlucky not to score more' – Cifuentespublished at 18:03 BST 4 October

    FT: Swansea 1-3 Leicester City

    Leicester City

    Leicester City manager Marti Cifuentes told BBC Radio Leicester:

    "Very happy. It was an important moment especially with the international break and to go in with a win is very satisfying. It was a demanding game.

    "The mood is good and especially after last Tuesday. It was not easy but i think we started the game very well. Fantastic goal from JJ and we then couldn’t keep the ball as we would like to.

    "In the second half we started very well and the penalty happened. But the team showed a lot of personality to get the second one, then chase the third and a fourth one.

    "We were unlucky not to score four or more goals and the contribution from the bench players was really really strong."

  8. 'We need to cut out the mistakes' - Rowettpublished at 18:00 BST 4 October

    FT: Watford 2-1 Oxford

    Oxford United

    Oxford United head coach Gary Rowett told BBC Radio Oxford:

    "The start was excellent, and to get into that position. But I don't think our performance overall today was energetic enough or good enough.

    "Of course, we keep going, [it's] a tight game again, we still have opportunities, but if I'm being honest, I'm bored of saying we've conceded poor goals once more.

    "I think that's a frustration since the start of the season. We need to cut out the mistakes. We did [that] on Wednesday and got a point away from home.

    "If you look at both goals, the first was a ball in the box we've got to deal with - simple as that, that's our job. The second one, Jamie (Cumming) just gets a little nudge on him, but I think he'll be disappointed he doesn't deal with it himself as well, so two moments that were really disappointing."

  9. 'We have to find a way to win these games'published at 17:58 BST 4 October

    FT: Derby 1-1 Southampton

    Southampton

    Southampton head coach Will Still told BBC Radio Solent:

    "We have got four points from six in two tricky away games.

    "If we’re being hyper-critical and demanding of ourselves then these are the sort of games we have to learn to win or find a way to win.

    "We started really well and brightly and created a good few chances, we wobbled a bit after our goal and they hit us with a lot of direct and physical play.

    "Then we grew back into the game and had a bit more control, we’ve then been undone by what I think is a really poor refereeing decision, I don’t know how the throw in goes their way (ahead of the equaliser).

    "Even still we need to then switch on and we’ve conceded an annoying goal. The second half was scrappy and it wasn’t our style but we have to deal with it.

    "We’ve had a few opportunities we haven’t really taken and we need to have a bit more composure going forward."

  10. 'It was our worst performance this season'published at 17:55 BST 4 October

    FT: Millwall 3-0 West Brom

    West Bromwich Albion

    West Brom head coach Ryan Mason told BBC Radio WM:

    "Every element, every aspect of the game I think we were probably outdone. We just have to take it.

    "We had a really good result on Wednesday, we knew the demands today was going to bring, especially off the back of their result on Wednesday (losing 4-0 to Coventry at home).

    "We didn't assert ourselves on the game, we didn't show enough quality or personality. It was a disappointing performance and result, a tough one to take. I need to try and get more out of the lads.

    "They were better than us, we didn't deserve a thing and it was probably our worst performance of the season."

    Media caption,

    West Brom boss Ryan Mason speaks following disappointing loss at Millwall

  11. 'A massive win for us' – Jakirovicpublished at 17:51 BST 4 October

    FT: Hull City 1-0 Sheffield United

    Hull City

    Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside:

    "It’s a massive win for us especially in my first Yorkshire derby. You could see in the first minute it was a battle for every inch.

    "We knew they would be more on the ball and we were lucky when they hit the post. But also we had our moments in the game.

    "In the second half we couldn’t kill the game and in the end it was a great save of the penalty which was very important for our confidence.

    "We have conceded a lot of goals this season but Ivor Pandur could not do a lot with a lot of them. Clean sheet and the first since March so it is very very important.

    "For our goal the cross was very, very good and David kicked the ball very high, it was a half volley and he said the defender touched the ball with his hand on the way in. It was a big boost for him.

    "I think the defence were very good today. We didn’t allow a lot of chances against us."

  12. 'We went toe-to-toe with them'published at 17:46 BST 4 October

    FT: Derby 1-1 Southampton

    Derby County

    Rams boss John Eustace told BBC Radio Derby:

    "I thought it was a great game of football between two good teams. We're up against top-quality players and we went toe-to-toe with them.

    "The first goal was too easy unfortunately but the response was amazing. We are getting sharper and fitter as a team and I thought the football was really good.

    "Heads haven't dropped all season. I'm delighted with the response and proud of the efforts again of the group.

    "I'm delighted with the way Carlton Morris and Patrick Agyemang are linking up at the minute.

    "Today was a good sign when we're confident and playing our football we can create and score against the best in the league."

    Media caption,

    Derby County head coach John Eustace speaks after the match against Southampton.

  13. 'It feels like we have made a good start now'published at 17:43 BST 4 October

    FT: Portsmouth 1-0 Middlesbrough

    Portsmouth

    Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent:

    "We spoke on Thursday about the importance of this game and how it would shape how the start of the season for us has been mentally.

    "Getting the win was great and it feels like we have had a good start to the season, results matter in this game and today we managed to get the job done.

    "My overall thoughts is that it was a brilliant performance and there was loads of improvements from Wednesday night against Watford."

  14. 'It's tough playing catch up' – Wilderpublished at 17:39 BST 4 October

    FT: Hull City 1-0 Sheffield United

    Sheffield United

    Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield:

    "We are getting into positions and that is the game changer. It is loose and rushed and there is no sign of the obvious quality that these players have got.

    "We had to score from the penalty. You have to step up in these moments in the position that we are in, it’s tough and we are playing catch up.

    "It is not a great situation but when we get into good positions and are controlling games like we did today the final bit is the money ball and we are not finding that.

    "Nobody is piling the pressure on them - we are trying to make the shirt light. I want us to play well but players have got to clear their heads somehow now."

  15. 'Not clinical enough' - Robinspublished at 17:36 BST 4 October

    FT: Blackburn 1-1 Stoke

    Stoke City

    Stoke City manager Mark Robins told BBC Radio Stoke:

    "I thought we were poor. We started off bright, there were difficult conditions but we were in the ascendancy.

    "They worked hard but we had chances and the final ball was too heavy, misplaced or played without enough care. When we did get through their goalkeeper made good saves. We haven't got the clinical nature and we gave them encouragement.

    "It wasn't what anybody else did, we turned the ball over in stupid areas. It wasn't clinical enough and that wasn't just in front of goal, when we were passing and moving.

    "There was a lot of frustration in the game and we were fortunate to get the point, because we didn't do the right thing often enough."

    Media caption,

    Stoke City manager Mark Robins reflects on the 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers.

  16. 'The belief can come quickly'published at 17:30 BST 4 October

    FT: Blackburn 1-1 Stoke

    Blackburn Rovers

    Blackburn manager Valerien Ismael told BBC Radio Lancashire:

    "I think the table doesn't reflect our performance. We have one game less, we are in a transition with new players and we need a win to change momentum. The belief can come quickly.

    "I wanted a normal game today, with no (controversial) referee decisions. It was good today, we can talk about football. It was an entertaining game and what we love.

    "We have a break, I will see my family and recharge the battery. It will be good to have a breather - mentally it has been a challenging week."

    Media caption,

    Blackburn Rovers drew 1-1 with Stoke City

  17. 'We lost belief'published at 17:25 BST 4 October

    FT: Sheff Wed 0-5 Coventry

    Sheffield Wednesday

    Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen told BBC Radio Sheffield:

    "They're a very, very strong team and we gave ourselves a difficult beginning by being one down in three minutes.

    "I still thought after the second goal we had the belief and we continued but we didn't have the clinical level they had and then the third goal was a clear offside goal and it took the belief out of the team.

    "We have to remember that we have to perform at our maximum level every time to get something.

    (On the protest) "The general protest I understand and I'm happy that it didn't take longer than it did and we could come back to play the game."

    Media caption,

    Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen on their 5-0 loss against Coventry City.

  18. 'We couldn't ask for more'published at 17:21 BST 4 October

    FT: Sheff Wed 0-5 Coventry

    Coventry

    Coventry City boss Frank Lampard told BBC CWR:

    "We couldn't ask for much more from the week with three clean sheets and a lot of goals.

    "The circumstances of the game were challenging going into it and I was very aware of that and I wanted the players to be aware of that. The idea you can cruise into a game like this is really dangerous.

    "We worked hard and we've had a good start now up to this point, and it's important we keep our feet on the ground, enjoy the moment, because it's been a good week and rest up and try and continue with this form.

    "My message to the players before the game was when you're playing well you can't let it go. Top teams take advantage of that and I felt that in the group this week and there you go.

    (On the fan's on-field protest after 10 minutes) "It allowed us to address a few things with the players and I understand the frustrations of the fans. We all know the basics of what is going on here and I have no problem with it. It was peaceful as such and the game carried on. I have big sympathy for what is going on here."

    Media caption,

    Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard on the 5-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

  19. Postpublished at 17:19 BST 4 October

    Right, time for some reaction from Championship managers - and let's start with the man whose side has gone top of the tree today, shall we?

  20. 'They really battled throughout'published at 17:16 BST 4 October

    FT: Derby 1-1 Southampton

    Ed Dawes
    BBC Radio Derby commentator

    Balance of play, a fair result.

    A much better game from Derby in this one, they really battled throughout.

    If they hadn't gone behind so early, you would have fancied them to get all three.