Image source, Getty Images

There we go then.

That's the first weekend of the English Football League's grand return all over and done with, and it's like it's never been away.

Across the 72 clubs we've seen storylines written already and we're a game in.

Of course, there's much more of the tapestry to be weaved, but for Leicester and Ipswich, differing fortunes last year have seen both make winning starts.

Sunderland and Coventry will have better days this year, while for Leeds and Cardiff, a point will feel different given the flow of the match.

We've a long way to go, and we'll be there for it all. Welcome back. Let's do it all again next weekend.

Until then, goodbye.

Alex Mathie
Ex-Ipswich Town striker on BBC Radio Suffolk

We were sitting comfortably with 25 minutes to go and then we sat back and gave Sunderland a lifeline.

All credit to Sunderland when they went down to 10 men. They caused us problems.

Looking at the balance of play, a draw would probably have been a fair result. We got off the hook late on.

Gary Bennett
Ex-Sunderland defender on BBC Radio Newcastle

Sunderland battled on and battled on, but it's the same old problems.

Ipswich will be over the moon with the result, but we are desperate, and I mean desperate, for a striker.

We do not score any scruffy goals. We have to work hard to create our chances. We have to be nice and neat and play threaded balls.

Look at George Hirst, who got the second goal, who worked hard and worked the channels and he got his reward.

The Tractor Boys are up and running on their return to the Championship, as goals from Nathan Broadhead and George Hirst see Ipswich past Sunderland for a first win of the campaign.

Sunderland went down to 10 men on an evening where they had plenty of possession but no reward, Trai Hume sent off, and then a late goal from Dan Neil which set up a furious finale.

Big test for the visitors, with Kieran McKenna's side just passing. There was a terrific show of character to get themselves into the game.

Sunderland won't define their season by this result, but they will want improvement moving forward.

Dan Neil hits the post after touch from Vaclav Hladky, and Sunderland come so close to an equaliser.

Beautiful ball from Lynden Gooch to the back-post, but the midfielder can't hit the back of the net with his half-volley from close range.

Superb save from Hladky.

Lynden Gooch glides down the right and overhits a cross, it's recycled on the left but Alex Pritchard's ball in is belted away.

Sunderland keep plugging away but Ipswich doing just enough.

Omari Hutchinson glides away, Town keeping the ball away from Sunderland now.

Breathless finish, as Marcus Harness piles down the left for Ipswich but his cross is blocked by burly Black Cats stopper Dan Ballard.

Sunderland bring Dennis Cirkin off and add Niall Huggins to the mix late on.

Sam Morsy breaks up a Sunderland move and pings a peach for Freddie Ladapo to race into space.

He edges into the box but with support in the box, he goes it alone and skies wide.

Kieran McKenna might well be having a little chat despite the scoreline.

Alex Mathie
Ex-Ipswich Town striker on BBC Radio Suffolk

I think this game's going to finish tomorrow!

Jack Clarke shuffles in off the left and tries to find Dennis Cirkin, who squares under pressure but Ipswich clear.

Another Clarke raid provides a corner. Alex Pritchard picks out Dan Ballard, but Sunderland have it pinched off his toe.

Desperate defence.

Ipswich make two final changes, with Janoi Donacien and Leif Davis being replaced by Dominic Ball and Greg Leigh.

We're right in a game here.

Sunderland happy to chance their arm, and with 10 look more connected, more dangerous, more energetic and vigorous now.

Ipswich need all their calm, poise and cool, and Kieran McKenna to his credit is the epitome of that on the sideline.

Lynden Gooch chases a ball over the top, and Sunderland flood forward, but have to make do with a corner.

Alex Pritchard sweeps in, ball not cleared, half-volley by Patrick Roberts! Deflected over and wide by Freddie Ladapo!

Tackles flying in right now with furiosity.

The roar as the board went up was huge. Sunderland think they've got the time to turn this round, and what a noise it will be if they do...

Sunderland can't make the free-kick count, and Ipswich watch it behind.

Jeers for Vaclav Hladky for timewasting. No booking though.

Think there might be some injury-time to come here... ONLY 13 MINUTES?!?

Lynden Gooch wins a free-kick on the right, as 'HA'WAY THE LADS' is roared from the stands by a pumped-up home support.

Sunderland fans, fuelled by their perceived injustice, have their voice again.

Alex Pritchard has the free-kick...

Alex Mathie
Ex-Ipswich Town striker on BBC Radio Suffolk

Ipswich have caused their own problems there.

They have been kicking the ball anywhere. They've got to make the ball do the work.

They thought the game was over.

Ipswich try to play out from the back but Sunderland have rallied themselves late on.

Luke Woolfenden was key with a touch to guide Jack Clarke's fierce shot behind.

The initial corner is cleared, and then Wes Burns nods a ball away.

Sunderland find themselves backpedalling as Omari Hutchinson belts forward, but his shot is deflected into the hands of Anthony Patterson after a storming run.

Janoi Donacien is up. Sunderland fans not happy with the stoppage but you're got to check he's ok?!

Time will get added on folks.

Back up and going, Sunderland have possession.