Reading lacked a cutting edge on the opening day as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Michael Appleton's Blackpool side, falling behind to a ninth-minute Callum Connolly goal. Paul Ince's men desperately need a strong start to the season if they're to avoid relegation this season and this represents a big opportunity to get their first points on the board. Defensive resilience helped Cardiff claim a shock 1-0 victory against pre-season title favourites Norwich on the opening day. The Bluebirds were reduced to 10 men in the 73rd-minute when Perry Ng was dismissed, but Steve Morison's side held out for the three points. 0:1