Manchester United 1 – Newcastle 1 (Premier League, August 17, 2008) (MOTD highlights here.) Manchester United came out the traps quickly against Newcastle, but they found Shay Given in inspired early form to deny them a goal. The Irish goalkeeper first saved Frazier Campbell’s header off the line with his head, before making a smart double save from Rooney and Scholes. Incredibly, it was the Toon who then took the lead, Obafemi Martins scoring a sweet header from Milner’s corner (what happened to Fletcher?). But the champions responded quickly, Giggs fired in a left wing cross which was turned home by Darren Fletcher. In the second half Frazier Campbell came close when he turned smartly and forced Shay Given into a save. But Newcastle proved themselves to be a hard nut to crack, and they also rode their luck when Vidic’s header came back off the bar. Keegan’s side saw out the final stages without too much bother, with United’s season starting on the back-foot.

Chelsea 4 – Portsmouth 0 (Premier League, August 17, 2008) (MOTD highlights here.) Chelsea dominated the early exchanges, Frank Lampard set about finding his range before the Blues moved ahead in the 12th minute when Ballack freed Joe Cole who beat David James on the angle. Chelsea doubled their lead soon after, Boswinga raced down the right, his cross was fed back in by Deco at the back post, and Nicolas Anelka had the simple job of nodding home. Anelka steered a shot just wide of post moments later. On the stroke of half-time Chelsea won a penalty after Joe Cole’s immaculate control brought down a ball which Distin then handballed, and Frank Lampard rolled in the third from the spot. After the break Anelka continued to look sharp, with Joe Cole also looking to bag his second. Deco opened his account with a fourth at the death, David James should have done better with the strike from distance.

Aston Villa 4 – Manchester City 2 (Premier League, August 17, 2008) After a goalless first half, John Carew was in the right place to head home Gareth Barry’s cross. But City hit back, Luke Young tripped Michael Johnson in the box, and Elano rolled home the penalty. Star of the show was than Gabriel Agbonlahor who netted a magnificent seven minute hat-trick with goals in the 69th, 74th and 76th minutes. Vedran Corluka netted a late consolation for City.

All the goals from Saturday’s action in the Premier League can be seen here.

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Burnley 0 – Ipswich 3 (Championship, August 16, 2008) Kick-off was delayed by 50 minutes after a member of the Parachute Regiment crash landed on to the roof of a stand instead of the intended target on the half-way line (see the eye-witness footage here). Jamie Trotter volleyed through a crowd of players to put Ipswich ahead before Kevin Lisbie scored a rebound. Stephen Jordan headed into his own net before Steven Caldwell hit the post to end a miserable afternoon for Burnley.

Barnsley 1 – Coventry 2 (Championship, August 16, 2008) Coventry moved in front after Freddy Eastwood’s cross evaded everyone to settle in the bottom corner. Brian Howard’s clinical finish on the stroke of half-time earned the hosts an equaliser. But Julian Gray’s 68th-minute strike won the game for the Sky Blues, who kept their 100% record in tact. Barnsley, who had Iain Hume sent off have now lost three games on the spin.

Bristol City 1 – Derby 1 (Championship, August 16, 2008) Nicky Maynard opened the scoring for City with his first goal for the club when he tapped in from close range in the 23rd minute, but Paul Green’s second-half strike gave Derby a share of the spoils.

Carlisle 4 – Crewe 2 (League One, August 16, 2008) Danny Graham helped himself to a quick-fire brace as Carlisle took control against Crewe before Chris McCready replied for the visitors. Scott Dobie and Simon Hackney added further goals for The Cumbrians before Tom Pope netted a late consolation.

All the goals from yesterday’s action in League Two can be seen here.

Macclesfield 0 – Bradford 2 (League Two, August 16, 2008) Peter Thorn’s double sunk Macclesfield.

York 1 – Histon 1 (Conference, August 16, 2008)