London (AFP) – John Terry endured a frustrating Aston Villa debut as the former Chelsea star’s new side were held to a 1-1 draw by Hull on the opening weekend of the Championship season.
After winning 15 major honours in 22 years with Chelsea, Terry is making a fresh start with Villa following his release by the Premier League champions at the end of last season.
Terry’s switch to Steve Bruce’s side has made them among the favourites for promotion from the second tier.
But the former England defender’s first Championship appearance since a loan spell with Nottingham Forest 17 years ago couldn’t inspire Villa to kick off their season with a victory.
Gabriel Agbonlahor’s seventh-minute goal gave Terry and company the perfect start at Villa Park.
But Hull, back in the Championship after last season’s relegation, found their stride in the second half, deservedly equalising through 20-year-old Jarrod Bowen’s first goal for the club.
Andre Green should have put Villa back in front with 10 minutes remaining, but got his header all wrong from two yards out to leave Terry to settle for a point.
Big-spending Wolves made a strong start to their promotion bid as Leo Bonatini’s debut goal sealed a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.
Brazilian striker Bonatini, signed on a season-long loan from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, punished a mistake from Boro defender Daniel Ayala to settle a tight encounter in the 33rd minute at Molineux.
It was an encouraging result for Wolves, who are among the leading contenders for promotion to the Premier League after a major close-season overhaul.
Former Porto midfielder Ruben Neves cost Wolves a Championship record £15million and he impressed on his first appearance under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
It was a frustrating return to the second tier for Middlesbrough after last season’s relegation.
Bobby Reid netted a brace and Famara Diedhiou scored on his first appearance as Bristol City beat Barnsley 3-1 at Ashton Gate.
Reid put the hosts ahead after 16 minutes before setting up Senegal striker Diedhiou, a club-record £5.3 million signing from Angers, who headed home at the back post.
Reid then added his second of the day before Ryan Hedges pulled a goal back for Barnsley in stoppage-time.
Rocked by last week’s 6-1 friendly thrashing at the hands of third tier Charlton, Ipswich restored their pride with a 1-0 victory over Birmingham at Portman Road.
Suffering a hangover from last season’s painful play-off final defeat against Huddersfield, Reading slumped to a 2-0 defeat at QPR.
Norwich’s Nelson Oliveira equalised two minutes from full-time to salvage a 1-1 draw at Fulham.
Daniel Johnson’s 79th minute penalty secured Preston’s first opening-day win since 2008 as they beat Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at Deepdale.
Sheffield United marked their return to the second tier after a six-year absence with a 1-0 victory over Brentford.
Danish forward Kenneth Zohore struck in the 87th minute to give Cardiff a 1-0 victory at Burton.
