LONDON, October 18, 2014 (AFP) – Bolton boss Neil Lennon made an explosive start to his English managerial career as he was sent to the stands during his Championship side’s 1-0 win at 10-man Birmingham on Saturday.

Lennon surprisingly accepted the opportunity of succeeding Dougie Freedman at the second tier’s bottom club earlier this week and the former Celtic manager, who quit the Scottish champions at the end of last season, made an immediate impact on his new team.

Just 12 months ago, Lennon was masterminding Celtic’s Champions League campaign, yet now he is faced with a battle to stop Bolton sliding into League One.

Bolton had won only one of their first 11 league matches this season but, galvanised by Lennon, they ended a five-match losing streak courtesy of Matt Mills’ first-half header.

They held on to take the points despite Craig Davies missing a late penalty after Birmingham goalkeeper Darren Randolph was dismissed, with Lennon sent to the stands for an infringement on the touchline.

Russell Slade also enjoyed a dream start to his Cardiff reign as Federico Macheda and Peter Whittingham netted in a 2-1 defeat of Nottingham Forest, who slipped to their first defeat of the season despite pulling one back through Britt Assombalonga.

Fulham caretaker manager Kit Symons boosted his hopes of securing the position on a permanent basis with a 1-0 defeat of Norwich at Craven Cottage, with Sean Kavanagh striking the crucial goal on 22 minutes.

Watford powered to the top of the table with a 3-0 triumph at Sheffield Wednesday as Odion Ighalo, Almen Abdi and Matej Vydra scored to mark Slavisa Jokanovic’s first match in charge.

Derby are up to second after crushing Reading 3-0 at Madejski Stadium, with Chris Martin bagging a brace and Jordon Ibe also on target.

Blackpool fell to the bottom of the table following a 4-2 defeat at Huddersfield, with Harry Bunn bagging a brace for Town in between goals for Grant Holt and Jacob Butterfield, while Tony McMahon and Donervon Daniels replied for the struggling Seasiders.

Millwall ruined Kenny Jackett’s return to the Den by storming back from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Wolves.

Strikes by Danny Batth, Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Bakary Sako had put Wanderers 3-0 ahead on Wolves boss Jackett’s first return to south London since quitting as Millwall chief in 2013.

But Lee Gregory pulled one back for the Lions before Ricardo Fuller hit a double, including an 87th minute equaliser.

Ian Holloway’s side then survived having Shaun Williams sent off deep into stoppage-time to preserve their unlikely point.

Elsewhere, Callum Wilson struck after just three minutes as Bournemouth beat Charlton 1-0 to give Bob Peeters’ side their first league defeat of the season.

Middlesbrough won 2-1 at Brighton, Ipswich drew 1-1 with Blackburn and Uwe Rosler saw his Wigan team held to a 0-0 draw by his old club Brentford.