Image source, Rex Features

Yep, it's true. It might have been a 1-1 draw between two potential promotion hopefuls in Sunderland and Derby and a narrow 1-0 win for Nottingham Forest against Millwall but we had plenty of drama, excitement and incident in two games to suggest we're in for another cracking season.

We do it all again tomorrow with the EFL live from 11:00 BST, and on Sunday with live coverage of Bolton Wanderers v Leeds United.

Throw in the FA Cup live stream and there really isn't anywhere else you ought to be this weekend than BBC Sport.

Until then, thanks for being with us tonight, have a good evening.

Image source, Rex Features

I doubt many Millwall fans, unless they're absolute masochists, will be reading this report.

Forest fans, revelling in new-found optimism, might be tempted to print it out and frame it.

If you do want to know how the Lions failed to maul Forest tonight, then Owen Phillips' report is an eloquent and entertaining a method of doing so.

Image source, Rex Features

Not the horror show some Sunderland fans might have predicted, as they came from behind to earn a point on life back in the Championship against Derby.

The Rams themselves kick off with a point on what could prove to be a tough trip as the season progresses.

Here's Steve Marshall's report.

Image source, Getty Images

For those of you who think the FA Cup begins in January with the arrival of the big boys... think again.

Fans will be transported to the real grassroots, just as they have in rugby league with the Challenge Cup, with the broadcast of a tie from each round on the BBC Sport website.

Tomorrow is the big kick off, with Litherland REMYCA taking on AFC Liverpool. Here's all the info you'll need.

Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Millwall were very good. They deserved something from the game.

"They were direct, they were effective. They won the first ball and created chances. Too many times we were loose in possession.

"To play like that and get three points, we are very relieved. We had some good points but were way below our normal level."

Sunderland boss Simon Grayson told Sky Sports: "I thought we played well.

"It was always going to be difficult with the hangover from last season but we started the game extremely well and they scored against the run of play.

"The players showed immense character to get back on it again and we made some good chances. We asked some questions for a good Derby team."

Derby midfielder Tom Huddlestone told Sky Sports: "Sunderland had a couple of chances in the first half and Scott Carson had to play well and we were probably lucky to go in 1-1 at half-time.

"It's honours even and probably a fair result.

"We have a lot more in the tank. We can press and play better than we have shown today."

Image source, Rex Features

This is just the beginning my friends, of the bonanza of EFL delights to come across the weekend.

Tomorrow we reflect the first big weekend of football since the end of last term when the Championship, League One and League Two really get under way... with Aston Villa v Hull City the big focus at 17:30 BST.

Sunday sees Leeds United travel to Championship newbies (well, after a season away) Bolton Wanderers. We've live text on that one too.

Just the tip of the iceberg tonight of a season to come.

Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole told Sky Sports: "I thought we started well and conceded against the run of play.

"It's not easy when you've been relegated and the lads are lacking confidence. I thoughts the lads were brave.

"Derby controlled a lot of the second half so a draw was probably a fair result."

Read and enjoy Nottingham Forest fans, for about 18 hours you are top of the league after tonight's 1-0 win against Millwall, who by the sounds of it deserved something from the game.

Derby fans won't be so chuffed by that news naturally, but they had much to cheer from their Championship draw at Sunderland.

Well, they won't know how they did it but Nottingham Forest have beaten Millwall.

The Lions may take another five games to create this many chances.

Debutant Barrie McKay's brilliant first-half hit gives the Reds all three points. If you can't be good, be lucky.

Another life for Forest. Another chance goes begging for Millwall.

Three minutes into injury time a quick throw-in ends with Fred Onyedinma well off target with his effort. Amazing.

Breathless, frantic end to a very good game of football to open the Championship season with points shared by Sunderland and Derby County.

Sunderland showed backbone and mettle that has been lacking in recent years, particularly after their preseason defeat by Celtic, and get a well-earned point after a decent display.

Derby were under pressure at times in the game but showed their own threat and will look ruefully perhaps at chances for Chris Martin and David Nugent that were not taken.

All in all, a good point apiece and a fine contest. Welcome back to the Championship one and all.

Image source, Rex Features

David Nugent was in to settle it from a beautifully cushioned header from Craig Bryson to the striker, but the Derby forward misses! OUCH!

Curtis Davis with a fend-off that Mal Meninga would have been proud of on George Honeyman as the Sunderland defender raided the Derby box. Boos ring out for the visitors' defender.

Then Derby go close when Bradley Johnson fires wide from the edge of the box.

Two minutes of added time.

James Vaughan and Richard Keogh trade death stares after a 50-50 and the former is booked for a late tackle on the Derby defender.

Into the final minute of normal time.

Craig Bryson on for the Rams.

There will be five minutes of stoppage-time at the City Ground.

Forest are looking relatively comfortable for just about the first time since the opening five minutes.

Less than a minute of normal time to go. Can the home side see this out or will Millwall get the goal they have so often threatened?

It's opening up as the two teams tire.

Sunderland have switched Aiden McGeady to the right where he's having plenty of joy, but his cross a moment ago was hooked too far wide and away to safety.

Is there a gamebreaker in these late stages?

Please tell me it's commentator's curse. Let's have some goals.

Sunderland threaten down the right with George Honeyman who got past his man and cut it across. Corner.

Richard Keogh clears. Pressure back on the visitors though. Left side... then Lee Cattermole fails to get a clean connection on the volley six yards out...

PRESSURE!