Bolton v Preston, Middlesbrough v Lincoln, Bristol City v Millwall and more: football – live
Key events
Down in League One, there’s a real humdinger going on at the Madejski Stadium. Reading were 3-1 up against Luton Town at the break, thanks to a Jack Marriott hat-trick – Jake Richards had given the Hatters an early lead, as well – but since the break, the visitors have hit back hard. Two goals in as many minutes from Kasey Palmer, and it’s 3-3 with more than half-an-hour still to play. I was going to while away the time until the 3pms with the Preston-Bolton game, but plans change. The big M4-M1 showdown it is.
During that aforementioned – well, alluded-to – first season of the Football League, Preston had the measure of their county rivals Bolton. They won 3-1 at home, and 5-2 away. But it’s not going so well for them today. First-half goals from Sam Dalby (14) and Thierry Gale (25) have seen the Trotters bolt out of the gate, and as it stands, Steven Schumacher’s newly-promoted side are top of the Championship. Too early to go with the table? Ah, let’s start as we mean to go on.
Preamble
The 2026-27 Championship race started dramatically last night …
… but it really gets going now. Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End are already partying like it’s 1888-89, having kicked off an hour ago, and we’ll have more of that Victorian-adjacent malarkey in a minute. But! Wait!! Here’s the 3pm card!!!
Bristol City v Millwall
Charlton Athletic v Derby County
Middlesbrough v Lincoln City
Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion
Portsmouth v Queens Park Rangers
Stoke City v Swansea City
Other important news from elsewhere will be mentioned*, as a new season opens out before us, to a world of possibilities. It’s on!
* not necessarily