Chesterfield set the standard early on after beating Bournemouth. Derek Niven on 47, Colin Larkin after 62 minutes and Paul Shaw in added time scored the goals that sent the 12/5 Spireites to the summit of League One. Port Vale condemned newly promoted Leyton Orient to an opening day defeat as they won 3-0 at Vale Park. Striker Leon Constantine netted after 43 and 72 minutes for the even money Valiants before Akpo Sodje, who made his debut, scored a third on 78. According to the bookmakers, Cheltenham Town were the most unfancied side in the division to win at odds of 9/2, but they won at Swansea City. Kayode Odejayi broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half and Grant McCann doubled the advantage six minutes later. Pint sized striker Leon Knight halved the deficit 13 minutes from time but the Robins held on for victory. Last season's play off semi finalists Huddersfield Town were beaten by Gillingham 2-1 at the Priestfield Stadium. Matt Jarvis opened the scoring for the 13/10 Gills after 57 minutes and new signing Dean McDonald struck a second 10 minutes later. Gary Taylor-Fletcher gave the Terriers hope nine minutes from the end. Brentford beat Blackpool to ensure Leroy Rosenior had a winning start during his tenure at Griffin Park. Oli Skulason scored the game's solitary goal for the 11/10 Bees 16 minutes from the end. Administration hit Rotherham United endured an opening day defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion to add to their 10 point deduction. Former non league striker Alex Revell netted the 6/4 winner for Brighton two minutes before the break. Debutante Enoch Showunmi came off the bench to win the match for Bristol City against Scunthorpe United. Former Luton Town striker Showunmi fired in on 69 to seal a winning bet at odds of 6/10. Carlisle United beat Doncaster Rovers at Brunton Park in front of a 35-year high crowd of over 12,000 spectators. Paul Murray scored the only goal of the match after four minutes to seal victory for the 6/4 Cumbrians. Bookmaker's favourites Nottingham Forest beat Bradford City 1-0 at the City Ground. A goal from Julian Bennett after 10 minutes was enough to earn all three points at 7/10 odds. Ronnie Moore enjoyed a winning start to his tenure as Tranmere Rovers boss by defeating previous club Oldham Athletic at 11/10 odds. Chris Greenacre scored the game's only goal after 24 minutes. Crewe Alexandra were held to a 2-2 draw at the Alexandra Stadium by newcomers Northampton Town. Ryan Lowe gave the Alex a lead after 7 minutes but the prolific Scott McGleish levelled terms five minutes later. Crewe took the lead again through David Vaughan after 19 minutes but Andy Kirk ensured a share of the points at 12/5 odds three minutes before the interval. New Millwall manager Nigel Spackman's blushes were spared after his side scrambled a point at home to Yeovil Town. Former Southend striker Wayne Gray gave the Glovers a 35 minute lead but Lions debutante Darren Byfield snatched a draw at odds of 5/2 with eight minutes remaining. |
