Rangers end Blades' winning run - round-up

QPR joined the early pacesetters in the Championship by ending Sheffield United’s 100% record at Loftus Road.

Ian Holloway’s Hoops experienced a nervy finale but goals for either side in stoppage time meant the home side finished 2-1 winners and climbed to second place, behind Luton on goals scored.

Marc Bircham’s 20-yard volley broke the deadlock after 56 minutes and although the Blades pressed for a leveller in the closing stages, former Aston Villa striker Stefan Moore made the points safe towards the end.

Steve Kabba’s strike five minutes into time arrived too late to be anything but a consolation.

While the Blades fell from top spot to fifth, Luton took over at the summit after a goalless draw at home against Leeds.

Glenn Hoddle’s Wolves are on the same seven-point mark as QPR and Luton after beating Hull 1-0 at Molineux.

Damien Delaney’s 19th-minute own goal separated the sides, the Hull defender deflecting home Ki-Hyeon Seol’s shot.

Relegated Crystal Palace picked up their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw at Norwich.

Dean Ashton put the Canaries in front after six minutes when he lashed an Andy Hughes cross past Gabor Kiraly.

But England striker Andrew Johnson pulled Palace level three minutes before the break.

Last season’s play-off final runners-up, Preston, were crushed 3-0 at Deepdale by Reading.

Leroy Lita finished expertly either side of half-time before Glen Little headed a third for the Royals after 56 minutes.

Preston’s neighbours, Burnley, were the day’s most emphatic winners, however, 4-0 at home to Coventry.

Goals from Gareth O’Connor and Wayne Thomas gave the Clarets a comfortable and after Stephen Hughes was red-carded for foul and abusive language there was no way back for the Sky Blues.

Gifton Noel-Williams missed a penalty, while Ade Akinbiyi added a late double.

Southampton won 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday, their goal coming after 22 minutes from Kenwyne Jones, who had a successful loan spell at Hillsborough last season.

And Derby followed two draws with a 2-0 victory at Plymouth, Grzegorz Raziak and Morten Bisgaard their scorers in the first half.

Leicester held Ipswich to a goalless draw at the Walkers Stadium, and a first-half John Halls strike earned Stoke the points at Millwall.

Crewe looked to be on the way to victory at Brighton after headers from Mark Rivers and Michael Higdon in the 77th and 83rd minutes overturned the home side’s lead, given to them by Leon Knight three minutes before the break.

But Dean Hammond salvaged a point for the Seagulls with an equaliser in the 88th minute.