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Matt Smith's first-half header saw Fulham take victory against Newcastle United on the opening night of the 2016/17 EFL season.

New boys Newcastle, who were installed as favourites for the Sky Bet Championship title prior to the game at Craven Cottage, struggled to break a resolute Fulham side down, and conceded on the stroke of half-time as Smith found space in the penalty area to head home.

It doesn't half feel good to be back! ⚽️⚽️⚽️ #EFLKickOffpic.twitter.com/uOBRc8cWGd

— EFL (@EFL) August 5, 2016

Aside of the odd shout for handball, the Magpies rarely threatened on goal, despite Dwight Gayle and a number of other high-profile summer signings making their bows.

Standings: Click here to see the Sky Bet Championship table

The result extends Fulham’s winning home run against Newcastle to six games, as manager Slavisa Jokanovic, who lost prolific striker Ross McCormack to Aston Villa just a day before the new campaign began, made a perfect start to his first full season in charge, and inflicted a miserable Sky Bet Championship debut upon Rafael Benitez.