Championship round-up: Phillips switched on to put McLeish in blue heaven

(PA)

Birmingham City striker Kevin Phillips scored late winners as a substitute in his side's first two Championship matches and was rewarded with a start against Barnsley. By the 12th minute he had repaid manager Alex McLeish's faith when the Tykes left him unmarked to head in Stuart Parnaby's cross, Phillips's third goal in three games.

Garry O'Connor added a second before half-time as Birmingham kept the only 100 per cent start in the division with a 2-0 win. "A very satisfying three points," McLeish said. "We have been able to keep our momentum going, but I do think we can get better."

Preston North End dropped their first points of the season, at Sheffield Wednesday, and needed a late Richard Chaplow equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw, while Wolves and Bristol City both preserved their unbeaten records. A Sylvan Ebanks-Blake header and David Edwards's strike saw Wolves condemn Ipswich Town to a second consecutive home defeat – Ipswich also had Alex Bruce sent off. "It was embarrassing at times," Ipswich manager Jim Magilton said. "Maybe one or two lads have outlived their days here."

Meanwhile, Bristol City ended Coventry City's bright start, winning 3-0 at the Ricoh, where an incandescent home manager, Chris Coleman, was sent to the stands. Dele Adebola put Bristol City ahead, giving Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood concussion and a dislocated finger in the process. Coventry were denied a penalty, but goals by Michael McIndoe and Steve Brooker wrapped up the win.

At The Valley, Reading's Kevin Doyle missed a penalty kick and Stephen Hunt had to retake his to score to make it 2-2 with Charlton. Matt Holland and an Andy Gray penalty earlier put the London side in charge before an Ibrahima Sonko header gave the Royals hope. But an expertly placed Luke Varney header and Hameur Bouzza's volley restored Charlton's lead and, after Sonko was sent off, it ended 4-2.

"We've got to aim to do that every week," Charlton manager Alan Pardew said. "We now have a tricky trip to Preston. If we're going to win there that's the level we've got to play at."

Sheffield United have followed their opening-day defeat with six goals and two wins, Stephen Quinn, Gary Speed and Greg Halford on target in the 3-1 defeat of Blackpool at Bloomfield Road. Two Ross McCormack goals put Cardiff City in charge at Ninian Park, but substitute Arturo Lupoli replied with two for visitors Norwich City, who earned a point from a 2-2 draw.

Promoted Nottingham Forest got their first win back at this level, beating Watford 3-2, while Swansea City won 1-0 at Plymouth Argyle. But the third promoted side, Doncaster Rovers, lost 2-0 at Queens Park Rangers.

David McGoldrick scored as Southampton won 1-0 at Derby County, the Rams' 35th League match without a win, an English record. Burnley drew 0-0 at Crystal Palace, who had James Scowcroft and Shaun Derry sent off.

League One leaders Oldham beat Cheltenham 4-0 thanks to a Lee Hughes hat-trick.