Summary

  • FT: Sunderland 1-1 Derby, Forest 1-0 Millwall

  • Bradley Johnson gives Derby lead, Lewis Grabban levels from spot

  • Barrie McKay scores winner on Forest debut

  • Simon Grayson took charge of relegated Sunderland for first time

  • Get involved at #bbcefl: Who are your dark horses in the EFL this season?

  1. CLOSE!published at 21:27 British Summer Time 4 August 2017

    Nottingham Forest 1-0 Millwall

    Almost another debut goal for Forest, this time it's substitute Kieran Dowell whose rasping left-foot strike goes just wide.

    Seven minutes remaining at the City Ground.

  2. Postpublished at 82 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    Key intervention by Didier Ndong to stop Matej Vydra getting a shot away! Derby back on the offensive though...

    Eight to go. Will Sunderland be tempted into a change?

  3. Postpublished at 81 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    Sunderland winger Aiden McGeady fires a shot on goal that goes well wide. Matej Vydra had hammered a free-kick into the wall for Derby a moment before.

    Destined for a 1-1 methinks...

  4. CLOSE!published at 78 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    After Derby went 'close' at the Sunderland end, it's the Black Cats turn to have a pop.

    James Vaughan was agonisingly close to a George Honeyman cross, Aiden McGeady had a shot blocked, and then the Irishman's swinging cross bounced out as Vaughan went down.

    Derby have made another change with David Nugent coming on for Chris Martin. He's off to watch that replay again... or not.

  5. DISALLOWED GOALpublished at 21:19 British Summer Time 4 August 2017

    Nottingham Forest 1-0 Millwall

    Millwall disallowed goalImage source, Rex Features

    Finally the net bulges for Milwall, but the goal is controversially ruled out. Steve Morison was celebrating with the away fans but his strike is ruled out for, we think for offside, after a fair delay.

    When it's not your day.

  6. Postpublished at 75 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    We've got special tags for posts on here that say things like 'Close!' and 'Hit the woodwork!' and 'GOAL'. There should be one called 'What on earth was that?' for Chris Martin's effort just then.

    Matej Vydra went steaming through and slipped a perfect ball to him left side of the box. Goal begging, Jason Steele ready to make a desperate block... SKIED IT.

    He will not want to see that again. Ever. Peter Kay 'HAVE IT' style.

  7. Postpublished at 21:17 British Summer Time 4 August 2017

    Nottingham Forest 1-0 Millwall

    Have Forest weathered the storm? It's been a fair storm to be fair, but somehow the Reds defence is intact.

    No one quite knows how. But with 16 minutes to go plus injury time Millwall are running out of time.

    The towering figure of Matt Mills may be introduced by the hosts. He looks like a man who could weather a storm.

  8. Postpublished at 72 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    Derby have switched tactics. Chris Martin has been the 'outlet ball' for much of the game, using his size and presence as a hold-up play.

    However, Matej Vydra has come on and he's a lot more mobile. More passing to feet, more angled passes and looking to work Sunderland's back-four over. Is that the key to success?

  9. Postpublished at 70 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    Smart play between Matej Vydra and Andre Wisdom wins a corner down the right. Sunderland under pressure.

    Until, that is, Jason Steele plucks the set-piece out of the air.

    Then Aiden McGeady screws his face up in disgust as he's pinged for a foul. Not had much chance to test out those jinky feet tonight has he?

    Aiden McGeady questions decisionImage source, Rex Features
  10. Postpublished at 68 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    Sunderland appear to be leaving James Vaughan as a lone striker when defending, which makes breaking on this Derby side difficult.

    Gary Rowett's organisational skills are excellent because you can see how structured this Rams side is when defending, attacking etc.

  11. SUBSTITUTIONpublished at 66 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    Andreas Weimann comes off for Derby and Matej Vydra comes on.

    Just as Derby are imposing themselves on this game. Which given the flow of goals, means nowt.

  12. GREAT SAVE!published at 21:08 British Summer Time 4 August 2017

    Nottingham Forest 1-0 Millwall

    Jordan SmithImage source, Rex Features

    Jordan Smith is having a blinding game and Millwall continue to pile on the pressure the Forest keeper pulls off a brilliant save as he rushes from his goal.

    Jed Wallace is the man denied after some great work by Steve Morison.

    The Lions are relentless.

  13. Postpublished at 64 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    Sunderland fans have been distracted by the fact their legendary goalscorer Kevin Phillips is on the bench as a Derby coach. He's been serenaded by the home side faithful, quite audibly.

    Meanwhile, a routine save for Jason Steele from Johnny Russell.

    Matej Vydra poised to come on for Derby. Who will make way?

  14. Postpublished at 60 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    Sunderland v DerbyImage source, Rex Features

    Cometh the hour, cometh... a sub? A goal?

    Derby try to work it around the Sunderland box but are foiled, then Bradley Johnson, high on the euphoria of his first-half strike, thumps one high and wide.

    1-1 it is.

  15. Vote resultspublished at 21:04 British Summer Time 4 August 2017

    How will Sunderland get on this season?

    Thanks again for taking the time to vote this evening.

    We asked you how you think Sunderland will get on in the Championship this season.

    53.5% of you think the Black Cats will finish mid-table, while 2% think they will bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt as champions and 4.3% that they will win automatic promotion.

    I'm sure new boss Simon Grayson would be delighted for that 6.3% to be right...

  16. SUBSTITUTIONpublished at 21:02 British Summer Time 4 August 2017

    Nottingham Forest 1-0 Millwall

    Mark WarburtonImage source, Rex

    Forest are leading but manager Mark Warburton is not happy.

    Millwall are still dominating and Warburton is desperate to get a grip on the midfield. Midfielders Kieran Dowell and Chris Cohen come on for Ben Osborn and Ben Brereton.

  17. HITS THE WOODWORKpublished at 57 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    Lewis Grabban smacks a post! Derby dallied in midfield and Lee Cattermole pounced.

    He unselfishly squares to Grabban who dug it out of his feet and lashed the shot toward goal. Stinger off the upright.

    Let-off for Derby!

  18. get involved

    Get Involved at #bbceflpublished at 21:00 British Summer Time 4 August 2017

    Who are your surprise tips for this season?

    Reuben Shorten: I think Ipswich Town because of the signings they have made. They just need the right manager. 6th to 17th.

    Thomas Stirk: After two successive seasons of play-off defeats in the semi-finals and final this is the year Bradford finally get promoted.

    Not happy with Mick then Reuben?

  19. Postpublished at 57 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    Andre Wisdom won his side a corner which Derby midfielder Tom Huddlestone floated back-post bizarrely. There was no one really there.

    Sunderland clear again. Derby enjoying a swing of momentum.

  20. CLOSE!published at 53 mins

    Sunderland 1-1 Derby

    Derby were in then! Johnny Russell down the right got in but his cross was poor.

    Then Richard Keogh sent a towering, looping header toward goal that was cleared by Lee Cattermole. All-action.

    Sunderland clear but Derby are coming back again... well, until Chris Martin goes down and requires treatment.