Lincoln's first home game in the second tier since 1961 ended in a 3-1 defeat to Portsmouth, a result that underlined how unforgiving the Championship can be even on a day heavy with history. In the Championship live updates, Millwall also beat Norwich 3-0 while Birmingham rescued a point against Bristol City with a stoppage time penalty.
The Lincoln result carried extra weight because of the date attached to it. Returning to this level in front of their own supporters for the first time since 1961 should have been a moment to savour, but Portsmouth ensured it became a reminder of the standard required in this division.
Lincoln's landmark day ends in disappointment
The final score, 3-1, tells the story clearly enough. Lincoln had the occasion, the setting and the history, but Portsmouth had the more decisive afternoon when it mattered.
That is often the way in the Championship. The emotion around a big day can be powerful, but it does not protect a side from the basics: concentration, control and taking chances when they arrive. Portsmouth did those things better, and Lincoln were left to reflect on a tough home return.
More live Championship action
Elsewhere, Millwall's 3-0 win over Norwich was one of the more convincing results in the early live updates. Birmingham, meanwhile, were forced to settle for a point after Bristol City were pegged back by a stoppage time penalty.
There were also eight 15:00 fixtures on the schedule, including Blackburn v Middlesbrough, Derby v Cardiff, Preston v Wolves and Southampton v Stoke. With 11 matches across the day, the Championship once again showed why it rarely leaves much room for quiet afternoons.
For Lincoln, the historical significance of the occasion will remain, but so will the result. For Portsmouth, it was a useful away win in a fixture that carried an unusual amount of attention. And for the wider division, the early pattern was familiar: no easy points, no easy stories, and very little time to dwell on what has just happened.
