The Sky Bet Championship returned with a bang and here are some of the big talking points from the weekend’s action in the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two.
Back-to-back wins for Potters
Struggling Stoke City lifted themselves off the bottom of the Sky Bet Championship table with a surprise win against Fulham. The Potters won 2-0 at the bet365 Stadium to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since Nathan Jones took over at the club.
The three points also lifted them off the bottom of the table ahead of Tuesday night’s fixture against Sheffield Wednesday.
Ipswich Town finally beaten
Ipswich Town travelled north for a Sunday afternoon game in front of the Sky cameras. Ahead of kick-off Paul Lambert’s side were not only top of League One, but also the only unbeaten side remaining in the EFL and were heading up to Lancashire favourites.
However, John Coleman’s side had other ideas. A first-half double from Colby Bishop ensured Accrington ran out winners and moved out of the relegation zone.
First clean sheet for Hatters
Luton Town moved up the Championship table with an emphatic 3-0 win against Bristol City and in doing so, kept their first clean sheet of the season. The win also ended an 11-game unbeaten streak for Lee Johnson’s side.
During the win, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu made Hatters history with his goal, meaning he has now scored in four different divisions for the club since his arrival in 2014. He has scored in the National League, League Two, League One and the Championship over seven seasons.
Cheltenham Town’s best start for over 20 years
Cheltenham Town travelled to the Banks’s Stadium and left with three points after a 3-1 victory over Walsall. The win means it’s now seven unbeaten in the league for them, last going on a longer unbeaten run in December 2013.
Cheltenham have now won 25 points from their opening 13 league games and is their best start to a league campaign in over 20 years.
Three of the best for Madden
As Fleetwood Town continued to apply pressure in League One with a 4-1 win over Burton Albion, Paddy Madden stole the headlines by scoring his first ever league hat-trick.
Elsewhere, Leeds United celebrated their centenary with a 1-0 win over Birmingham City, 19-year-old Conor Gallagher continued his emphatic start to life in the EFL, scoring yet another memorable goal at The Valley and Wycombe Wanderers continued their impressive form at Adams Park. Their win over Sunderland AFC means they are undefeated in ten league games for the first time since the 2008/09 season.