Two Sky Bet Championship fixtures were the curtain raiser for the 2017/18 EFL season on Friday night as Nottingham Forest hosted Millwall, and Sunderland and Derby County faced off in-front of the Sky Sports cameras.
At the City Ground it was the home side who took all three points as Barrie McKay announced himself to the Forest faithful in memorable fashion by netting what turned out to be the winner.
The City Ground under the lights. đź‘Ś
— EFL (@EFL) August 4, 2017
The #EFL is back. pic.twitter.com/G1xt98RmmQ
Newly-promoted Millwall fought back well, and even had the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out. 1-0 was how it stayed as Mark Warburton’s side got off to the perfect start.
The match in the north east ended level. as Sunderland and Derby County took a point each in a 1-1 draw.
Bradley Johnson scored the game, and the EFL’s opener, as he put the Rams ahead just after the ten-minute mark.
Advantage, @dcfcofficial.
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) August 4, 2017
Bradley Johnson jumped at the chance to poke home against @SunderlandAFC, 0-1.
Live on @SkyFootball. đź“ş pic.twitter.com/3R9PPGUOS6
The Black Cats hit back however, with Jacob Butterfield’s handball in the penalty area resulting in a spot kick being awarded to Simon Grayson’s side. Lewis Grabban stepped up, and showed a cool head to level the scores on his first competitive appearance for the club.