The Sports Buff ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏈

English football is back after international break and this first week of fixtures from it produced plenty of goals and surprises.

The action began on Friday night as Preston North End hosted Blackburn Rovers, hoping to keep a strong position in the play-off zone.

But, that was not the case as The Riversiders won the Lancashire derby with a 2-1 victory.

Charlton Athletic had a game to forget as they lost 5-1 at home to Southampton with all the goals being scored in the first half.

Bristol City returned to a play-off position after securing a 3-0 win against Swansea City.

Coventry City came from behind to defeat 10-man West Brom 3-2 as Frank Lampard’s side now go seven points clear at the top of the table.

Marvin Ducksch and Jay Stansfield both scored braces to give Birmingham City a comfortable 4-1 triumph at home to Norwich City.

While being the far more dominant team, Ipswich Town were unable to score as Wrexham held a 0-0 draw at Portman Road.

Portsmouth ended their six-game winless run with a 3-1 win against Millwall, not to forget that Joe Bryan was sent off for The Lions.

Queens Park Rangers earned a significant 3-2 win over Hull City, putting them three points away from the play-offs.

Edo Kayembe scored two late quickfire goals for Watford to complete the turn-around as they ended Derby County’s five-game win streak with a 3-2 victory.

Oxford United were able to earn a point in their 1-1 draw as Morgan Whittaker cancelled out Luke Harris’ opener.

Leicester City held on to defeat Stoke City 2-1 as Stephy Mavididi and Patson Daka scored the crucial goals to give The Foxes back-to-back wins.

Finally, in the Steel City derby on Sunday, Sheffield United claimed a 3-0 away win against Sheffield Wednesday as Tyrese Campbell’s brace and Tom Cannon’s late goal secured three significant points for Chris Wilder’s team.