THE OLYMPICS MAY be grabbing most of the sporting headlines this weekend, but the Football League in England is back, and the three divisions promise to be as competitive as ever, with plenty of Irish interest.
Here is a quick breakdown of how the Irish players got on this afternoon.
The Championship
Wes Hoolahan celebrated signing a new two-year deal by scoring one, and assisting another as the Canaries quickly adjusted to life back in the Championship with a 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers. Robbie Brady, who has been linked with a move back to the Premier League, was not included in Norwich’s matchday squad.
Shane Duffy and Darragh Lenihan did however start for Owen Coyle’s side, while Jack Byrne and Anthony Stokes both made their debut from the bench for Rovers, with the former Celtic striker also getting his name on the score-sheet.
Stephen Gleeson and Anthony Pilkington both started for their respective sides as Birmingham and Cardiff played out a goalless draw, while Callum O’Dowda made his debut for Bristol City as they snatched a late victory over newly-promoted Wigan Athletic. Defender Derrick Williams was an unused substitute for the Robins.
Richie Towell was absent as Chris Hughton’s Brighton drew 0-0 away to Derby. Irish trio Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh and Jeff Hendrick all played the full 90 minutes following their Euro 2016 exploits.
John Egan made a losing start in the heart of Brentford’s defence, as the Bees went down 2-1 at Huddersfield. Brentford are still without the injured Alan Judge.
There was plenty of Irish interest at Portman Road as Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town beat Barnsley 4-2, with David McGoldrick scoring from the penalty spot, following a foul on Daryl Murphy. The home side had former Ireland international Jonathan Douglas on the bench.
It was an eventful day for Cork man Conor Hourihane who scored one, and set up another for the Tykes, following a fine cross.
Goalkeeper Stephen Henderson had to make do with a place on the bench as Nottingham Forest beat Burton Albion 4-3 in a dramatic encounter, Limerick native Damien McCrory was a late sub for the Brewers.
Paul McShane was booked but kept a clean sheet as Jaap Stam tasted victory in his first game in charge of Reading. 20-year-old Liam Kelly was an unused sub for the Royals. Greg Cunningham started at left-back for the Lilywhites, while highly-rated Alan Browne came on at half-time, although striker Eoin Doyle remained on the bench.
Rotherham United and Wolves played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, with Stephen Kelly, Lee Frecklington and debutant Anthony Forde all starting for Alan Stubbs’ side. Matt Doherty started for the visitors, with striker Joe Mason a half-time substitute.
League One
New Peterborough United captain Chris Forrester got his season off to the perfect start with a goal in his side’s 3-2 win at Rochdale. The former St Pat’s midfielder grabbed the second goal for the Posh.
Dundalk native Emmanuel Osadebe scored for Gillingham as they started their League One campaign with a 3-1 win at Southend United. Donegal man Stephen McLaughlin scored for the home side, who had Dave Mooney and Simon Cox starting in attack.
Another Irish youngster hoping for a good season is Aiden O’Brien, and the 22-year-old striker scored in first-half stoppage-time in Millwall’s 3-0 win over Oldham.
League Two
Dubliner Kevin Dawson scored for Yeovil Town in their 2-0 win over Notts County, but it was a day to forget for winger Jamie Devitt who was sent off on his debut for Carlisle United in their 1-1 draw at Portsmouth.
David Forde started in goal for Pompey, with Enda Stevens, Michael Doyle and Noel Hunt all featuring for the home side.
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