London (AFP) – Newcastle United’s troubled start to life in the Championship took a turn for the worse as they were beaten 2-1 by Huddersfield Town at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Rafael Benitez’s side were installed as pre-season favourites for promotion after finishing last term strongly despite their relegation.

But the Magpies slumped to defeat at Fulham in their opening second-tier fixture and remain winless following another sloppy display.

Nahki Wells put Huddersfield in front just before the break, but Newcastle levelled on the hour when Dwight Gayle headed in the rebound after his penalty was saved.

However, Huddersfield restored their lead when Kasey Palmer found Jack Payne on a breakaway and he made no mistake with eight minutes to go to emphasise how difficult it will be for Newcastle to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Aston Villa secured their first league win since returning to the second tier for the first time in 28 years as a Rudy Gestede double helped them to a 3-0 win over Rotherham United.

Roberto Di Matteo suffered defeats to Sheffield Wednesday and Luton Town in his first two competitive games as Villa boss but his third outing was far more encouraging.

Gestede finished off an excellent team move to nod in Aly Cissokho’s cross after 20 minutes and then he chipped in a second deep in first-half stoppage-time.

Jack Grealish put the gloss on the win with a fine individual effort with six minutes to go.

Bristol City and Fulham joined Huddersfield on six points after wins at Burton Albion and Preston North End respectively.

Sone Aluko headed home Fulham’s first from close range and Matt Smith followed up his own effort to double the lead in the 67th minute. 

Preston pulled one back with Callum Robinson’s 71st-minute diving header but Slavisa Jokanovic’s men held on.

On-loan forward Tammy Abraham’s brace was enough for Bristol City to beat Burton 2-1 at the Pirelli Stadium.

Blackburn Rovers’ wretched start to the season continued as they were comfortably beaten 3-0 at Wigan Athletic after losing 4-1 at home to Norwich City last weekend.

Leeds United are also still without a point as they lost 2-1 at home to Birmingham City.

Jacques Maghoma gave the visitors the lead in the 15th minute before Hadi Sacko levelled 12 minutes later. 

Birmingham’s winner came from Michael Morrison 10 minutes into the second half.

John Egan’s brace for Brentford secured a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town and Barnsley beat Derby County 2-0.

Wolverhampton Wanderers also won 2-0, seeing off Reading with goals from Matt Doherty and Joe Mason.