Clough settles old Leeds score

Rams boss Clough stopped the Derby bus before it reached Elland Road, allowing his players to walk into the ground in a piece of management reminiscent of his late father, who managed Leeds for an infamous 44 days in 1974 having already led County to the league title.

Derby captain Robbie Savage said: "The gaffer stopped the coach and we walked to the ground through the Leeds fans and we showed no fear and not one Leeds fan said anything."

Rob Hulse's goal and Kris Commons's penalty - either side of Luciano Becchio's equaliser -proved enough for the Rams to condemn newly promoted Leeds to their first opening-day defeat in 21 years.

Clough, who was given a frosty welcome by the home fans because of his late father Brian's relationship with Leeds, did not take any particular pleasure in the victory.

"The result didn't give me any special satisfaction because of my dad's time at Leeds," he said.

Savage believes the performance and result can give the Rams a boost for the season ahead.

"We were brave, we were honest and we deserved the win," added Savage.

Two of the three teams relegated from the Premier League last season began with a victory and a clean sheet as Burnley and Hull both triumphed.

But Portsmouth, whose survival was ensured at the High Court last Thursday, lost 2-0 at Coventry.

Freddy Eastwood scored both goals and Sky Blues boss Aidy Boothroyd was thrilled.

"I was very pleased with our new players and with the reinvigorated Freddy Eastwood," he said.

"He is a loveable rogue, but will be the first to say that it is a team effort."

Chris Iwelumo was on target on his debut as Burnley beat Nottingham Forest 1-0.

Clarets boss Brian Laws said: "I am just delighted we found the ability to close the game out.

"Once we scored the goal we dug in with a mentality that we didn't have last season."

Hull beat Swansea 2-0. John Bostock, signed on the eve of the campaign on a loan from Tottenham, netted a stunning 30-yard strike after 23 minutes and Ian Ashbee added a second to help Nigel Pearson mark his first game in charge with a win.

Hull and Burnley sit level alongside 11 teams at the top of the embryonic table, headed on goal difference by QPR.

Rangers beat Barnsley 4-0 as Heidar Helguson, Adel Taarabt - both with penalties - Fitz Hall and Jamie Mackie hit the target.

Neil Warnock enthused about Taarabt's contribution, having completed the signing of the Morocco international from Tottenham on Thursday.

"He's got real talent," said Warnock. "He thinks he should be playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona and I've told him that if he sticks with me he can get there.

"At the moment, they wouldn't touch him with a barge pole."

David James's Bristol City debut did not go as planned as the goalkeeper, whose most recent competitive appearance was as England exited the World Cup to Germany, was on the wrong end of Millwall's 3-0 win at Ashton Gate.

Darren Ward, Danny Schofield and Paul Robinson netted for the newly-promoted Lions, who also had Darren Carter sent off for two bookable offences.

Damion Stewart was dismissed in stoppage time for the Robins.

Ipswich won 3-1 at Middlesbrough as Town boss Roy Keane put one over his former manager Gordon Strachan.

Crystal Palace defeated Leicester 3-2, Doncaster won 2-0 at Preston and Scunthorpe claimed a 2-1 win at Reading.