06/08/2011 The Football League Show

Good evening. It does not seem that long ago since Reading and Swansea

brought to an end a thrilling NPower Championship season. This

season, the Football League includes Birmingham City, Crawley

Town and AFC Wimbledon. Those teams have been in action already. We

will see how they got on in the Brighton have finally got a place

they can call home. Their first league game at the Amex Stadium was

against Doncaster Rovers. Southampton came up with Brighton.

They were at home to Leeds United. There has been the usual Mary --

managerial merry-go-round. We will see how the first week panned out

for the new boys. And in League 2, familiar name his back. Nine years

ago, AFC Wimbledon held... Five promotions later and they are

preparing for the visit of Bristol Rovers. We'll know how difficult it

is to get on the property ladder at this -- these days. Spare a thought

for Brighton and Hove Albion. They have waited 14 years for a place of

their own. Finally they have got one. After a long drawn-out Sagar,

Brighton now only the Amex Stadium. Doncaster Rovers were the visitors

for the first League match. Martin Brighton and Hove Albion. -- and

new season, and you home. Packed to the rafters today. Doncaster are

only just survived last season. Craig Mackail-Smith, Brighton's

record signing, makes his debut. LuaLua is back on loan from

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Copper injure a sweeping across. Sharp pushing it wide on the left-

hand post. He would have expected to hit the target. That was late.

The referee reaching into his pocket. A yellow card. I think it

was a Mama must attempt to get the while a while. For trying to win

his team a penalty. -- LuaLua. Was happy about the referee in the past

couple of minutes. The referee coming to the sidelines to have a

word with his assistant. What is the problem for the Uruguayan

Brighton coach Kim Accy has been sent into the stands. -- he has

been sent to the stands. Not quite a dramatic start he wanted at the

Amex Stadium. 20th minutes into life and caused Poyet is sent off

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is too close to the field of play. ball. George rain cleared off the

Naylor. It is a yellow card. He was launching in, Richard Naylor. His

foot was high. He was not in control of the challenge. It is all

The goal is given. Billy Sharp missed a very good chance earlier.

He puts this one away. Joy for the travelling Doncaster Rovers

supporters. It had to be Billy Sharp. The surging run by Ryan

Mason. He fancied his chances. The ricochet was fortunate. It kissed

the post and crossed the line. First blood to Doncaster Rovers.

Had they cast in the role of party poopers after all? -- are they

the game. The referee could not have been better positioned to give

that decision. What a terrible way for Billy Sharp to start the new

season. Applauded from the pitch by his own fans. Another injury for a

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Sean O'Driscoll did -- to contend line. Into the back of the net x

back what a thumping strike. Will Buckley it was that let rip. The �1

million man, Will Buckley, who has only just come off the bench, get

the honour of being the first Brighton goalscorer at the Amex

Stadium. What a strike it was. Beating the goalkeeper at his near

post. It could not have been placed Smith! That would have been a

wonder strike. On the volley, first volley was James Hayter. Now he has

taken a knock. A sea of bodies diving in. Sean O'Driscoll has

already used his three substitutes. -- 2-1. Will Buckley, deep into

injury time. One of Gus Poyet's summer signings. He does the

business. What a pass. Quite at finish from Will Buckley. To open

his body and guided in past the What disturbs you about the

refereeing decisions first half? You should show it. It is not for

me to talk about the referee. I'd just got sent off. At the end of

the day, if you kill the actions while Owello was on the floor three

times -- Lola. He was wrong. You like me or you do not? You take me

how I am a or Ike go home and played golf. You must have great

pride? Yes. But it is more important that we want. -- won.

fairy-tale start for Brighton. What an atmosphere beforehand. It looked

absolutely fantastic. It lived up of the hype. Gus Poyet thinks the

Owello was wrongly done by here. You have sympathy? -- LuaLua.

he did was run into the back of James Hayter. It is not a penalty.

But it is certainly not a dive. Poyet was frustrated. What was a

bad start to the day got better? looked like everybody got caught up

in the atmosphere. You cannot lose a lot of nervous energy like this.

That is what it looked like to appoint back row. They were three

main talking points in this game. - - there were three. Fantastic

strike. Difficult skill. Great technique. Teams cannot defend

against this because it is players running from deep. He goes past the

centre half, breaks the line and it was a good finish. The day of mixed

fortunes for Doncaster Rovers. For Billy Sharp, of course. It turned

horribly sour for them? Yes. They probably just about deserved to

take the lead. The game turned on the substitution for Brighton and

you have got to say Billy Sharp's injury. At that stage they were in

the game. After he goes off, they suffer another blow. This puts them

down to ten men. Brighton took advantage. They scored in the 90th

minute and one of the game. -- 98 minute and won the game. Sean

O'Driscoll must be cursing his luck? Yes. You normally expect to

start the season with a fully-fit squad. But to have a couple of

players still injured after last season, that does not help.

Fantastic start for Brighton. Let's find out what happened to the two

teams that came up whip them, Southampton and Peterborough.

Southampton were at home to Leeds The strike was spooned away by

cole mack back in the division for Southampton. -- goal. Hammond's

first goal for a year and a half. The perfect start for Southampton.

Adam Lallana. -- they have got a second! Adam Lallana. Steered the

ball off the post into the bottom Connolly. He was so deadly in pre-

season. It is a good combination. How about the finish? Southampton -

- Southampton simply too strong in front of goal. David Connolly.

Three in five at the end of last season. He continues that form and

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referee says that are. I think it is more or stumble. There was a

Chaplow. Does the keeper saved it? Yes he does. Super stop. No penalty

being waived. Handball. Penalty. -- waved. Martyn with the arm. Max

Gradel scores. He shatters Kelvin Davis's clean sheet. Far too little,

We have scored three very good goals. We have had to compete today.

We gave our souls some problems. We want to play football. We get a

valuable three points. We gave a poor goal away at the end which we

was in charge of Preston. He returned to the Championship of 12

months later as Peterborough boss. Crystal Palace were their first

opponents. Grant McCann went close. Palace had never won a league game

at London Road going into this game. the hour. McCann levelled things.

Palace flirted with relegation for much of last season. This campaign

has not started to well. Peterborough came from behind to

take the points. David Ball with the winner. A perfect return to the

before at a different level. I thought we deserved a win. I

thought of role we were the better That will do Peterborough of the

Word of God. Yes. I'm sure Darren Ferguson looked at it and thought,

first home. These are the sort of games they need to win. Will they

struggle for Poles? -- goals. not know. It is amazing what

happens. Things are not one on one player. If you have got a good team,

everything does not fall apart because one of their leaves. -- one

of player leaves. We saw Southampton playing the Tunited.

They played with real verve and energy. Yes. The three close that

came into this division last year did very well. -- clubs.

Southampton are a big club. They will expect to come up and do well

and be competitive. After what Norwich have achieved, they will be

thinking the same? Yes. They have got size, stature and a good

infrastructure. We start our round- up with the team that came down

last season. With West Ham but playing until Sunday, the spotlight

fell on Birmingham City and caressed the outside of the goal.

Made for him by Taylor-Fletcher. It Barmby over the bar. What an

opportunity for a whole city. -- Fletcher! Blackpool at last take

the lead. Taylor-Fletcher, who scored the first goal of the

Premier League campaign for Blackpool last season, scored the

first goal of the NPower Championship campaign. It was a

thumping strike. The points destined for the visitors. One more

chance maybe. Simpson! He has put it over. Blackpool caught square.

Gilks in no-man's-land. Simpson higher and well over the top.

scored a goal and they did not. If they had got the first goal, it

could have been them. For a us it should have been worst case

scenario, a draw. It was a good finish, to be fair. But there --

having seen the goal again there are aspect I am rather too pleased

about. We have still created plenty of chances. Stuart of won of the

game. -- should have. Chris Hughton's first competitive match

in charge a Birmingham City saw them travelled to meet Derby County.

-- Travel. They were in good shape early on. Ridgewell came close.

With 19 minutes played Birmingham moved in front. Curtis Davies on

hand. With nine signings, Nigel Clough has reshaped his team over

the summer. It was one of those new arrivals who equalised, Jason

Shackell. Derby turned the match in their favour just before half-time.

Steve Davis was given too much time and space. Derby ended last season

with four consecutive league defeat. There were no signs of that here.

Jamie Ward hit the woodwork. Chris Hughton's side went in search of a

late equaliser and they almost got it. Stephen Carr fired into the

lot of good teams to play. If we can take that same energy and at --

enthusiasm into the next games and true good result. -- I am sure we

will get results. There was no need for a brolly at the City Ground. It

never rains goals for Nottingham Forest on the opening day. Barnsley

have a new manager. Keith Hill's team could have taken the lead.

Forest should have put an end to their opening day jinks. Lewis

McGugan was presented with a great chance. But he could not finish. It

ended in a draw. We just lack did in the final third. At the end of

the day what is a football match about? It is about what you do in

your box to keep a clean sheet, and the other box do we win the game.

We succeeded that one and failed at the other. -- at one. Another

former England manager was on show at the Ricoh Arena. Coventry and

Leicester City was an early kick- off. The bad feelings surface after

10 minutes when the riots Vassell lungs that Richard Keogh. The

former England striker received the first red card of the season. The

Sky Blues looked to make the most of their advantage. David Bell

tried his luck from distance. But a new Fox's keeper Kasper Schmeichel

was equal to it. -- the new Leicester keeper. The last four

meeting had ended in a trough. The teams were level in terms of

dismissals before the break. Carroll Baker was sent off. -- Carl

collecting new players this summer. Seven of the ten new signings made

their debuts in this game including David Nugent. The first were Lee

David Nugent. The first were Lee Peltier.

It was a very difficult game, a local derby. They are moving around

the ball very good. A technically good team and we have to chase a

lot when they have the ball, but we won and of course, I'm happy.

I felt we let them off the hook today because, you you know, when

they went to ten men, even more so. That's a lesson we've got to learn.

We dominated the game and then through lack of professionalism we

let them back into it. We dealt with that in the dressing room and

with that in the dressing room and it won't happen again.

Millwall began their League campaign. Their hosts were looking

to shake off the hangover of defeat in last year's play-off final.

James Henry and Darius Henderson combined, the latter heading in on

his debut having signed from Sheffield United. Brian McDermott's

side responded positively. The Duchess of Cambridge is a

Reading fan, but John Marquis doubled the visitors advantage.

The Royals went on the offensive. Mathieu Manset is super sub. Three

minutes later, he was at it again to complete the Reading recovery as

he headed in this perfect cross to Another team would have thought

that was it. To give credit to the players, they kept going and showed

fantastic resilience. If you offered me a draw at the

start of the week, I would have taken it. After looking like we

were in a good position, with not much time on the clock, we were

much time on the clock, we were the championship's only rooky

manager as last season the Lancashire club had done the double

over the visitors. They are without Danny Graham. That didn't seem to

matter on the stroke of half-time. Watford doubled their advantage

mid-way through the second half. Mark Yeates celebrating his victory

following his move from Sheffield United.

Within an opening day defeat staring them in the face, the

Clarets rallied. Charlie Austin with the final touch from Keith

Treacy's shot. Treacy Marking his To come up here and take the game

to them as we did for a large part of it, we knew they would try and

create chances because they played open and just at the end we

couldn't see the game out. A really good fightback. It was

always going to be difficult, but Keith came on and gave us real

impetus and the lads kept fighting for each other and we were pleased

two seasons disastrously. They start this one with a long trip to

Middlesbrough. The Dutch striker finishing in some

style. A Portsmouth squad saw more

departures, Steve cot Steve Cotterill only managed to name four

substitutes. Seven minutes later, Middlesbrough were ahead again as

Nicky Bailey threaded the ball through to Rhys Williams.

Middlesbrough back in front and a painful 310 mile trip loomed home

for those who travelled to watch It was a good, entertaining game. I

don't know how many people were here. It was an entertaining game.

It was full of goals and what the championship is about.

We played with a lot of players 6'4", 6'3". We suffered a few times

6'4", 6'3". We suffered a few times last year and we did again today.

Bristol City won one of their eleven championship games last

season. They were looking for a better start this year. Visitors

Ipswich have been busy in the transfer market over the summer.

They may have lost Conor Wickham, but he has been replaced by Michael

Chopra. City will be hoping that Nicky Maynard can stay injury free.

Maynard was ruled off side. Ipswich have a strong recent record against

the Robins, they hadn't lost in their last six meetings and they

went further ahead thanks to Lee Martin. City suffered a 3-0 home

dpe feet home defeat to Millwall last year. Rice and James can share

Everyone spoke this week in the papers about how tough the league

is. It is a real tough league. Bristol City are a descent team.

Today, it was our day. It is the worst possible start

really. The manner of defeat is hard to accept. We gave three bad

goals away. A great start for Ipswich Town.

They have been tagged as dark horses for promotion, is that the

way you see it? I think they are real live wires. They brought seven

in. They have gone down the route of paying descent wages. I see that

good form continuing. I expect them to be there or thereabouts this

year. We saw Blackpool beat Hull on

Friday night. It is tricky, we are not sure what we are going to get

from the Blues considering their situation at board level? I don't

think anyone can pinpoint what season they will have until we get

to the end of August. The problem is we don't know who will stay and

who will go. They will look to get this month out of the way as soon

as possible. Reading blew away all talk of a

play-off hangover thanks to their super sub? I have been in a

situation where I lost play-off games and you say, it can affect

you at the start of the next season, no, it was deja vu, they have given

themselves a mountain to climb as they did in the play-off final.

They have managed to get themselves out of a sticky situation. He comes

on and it was a tough start when he went to Reading at first. It is a

big ask coming from Hereford. Talking of the leading runners for

promotion, Leicester are up there alongside West Ham, they have worn

out the chequebook, but they need the players to gel. It is a great

start for for Sven, but that's what everyone was expecting? We talk

about players to gel. If you put players in their right positions,

they will play well. It is not a case of getting players to gel.

That was the case last year, it was a scatter gun approach. This year,

it looks more measured. Being an ex-Leicester boy, there is a good

gel. Sven know that is. No room for failure.

Let's look at League one. United are joining Sheffield

Wednesday. The Blades open their after his controversial appointment

in the summer. Harry Maguire crashed in Stephen Quinn's corner.

Wilson's arrival was hardly popular given his tie to say Sheffield

Wednesday, but maybe his critics will revise their opinion after a

comfortable display. Chris Porter sent Quinn on his way who delivered

sent Quinn on his way who delivered the perfect cross for Cresswell.

They have got got good, experienced They have got got good, experienced

players. With 18 goals in Colchester's last

three season openers. This year, they stuck four past Preston.

Ian Henderson finished last season with five goals in six games. He

picked up where he left off after half-time, doubling the lead after

some lax Preston defending. Neil Meler is back at Deep Dale

this season. He finish from Graham Alexander's pass.

But five minutes later, Colchester's two goal cushion was

restored. Henderson celebrating his second after the Preston defence

went AWOL. Phil Brown's men still weren't done.

They made it 3-2. It was all in vain. This close

range finish confirmed the points and another memorable start to the

We have beaten a very good team today. It could have gone

differently, but we have managed to find four goals against a good side

that I would back to be in the top two or three come the end because

they have got good strikers and we managed to pinch it today. I'm

pleased about the way we've gone season for Bristol Rovers.

Scunthorpe hit back before the break. The Michaels combined for

Nelson to head home. It was an entertaining match with plenty of

chances at either end and Gareth Ainsworth clipped the post with a

volley. Tempers threatened to boil over

when Ben Strevens through himself into a challenge. Strevens was

shown the red card. With time running out, Scunthorpe pushed on

and thought they would nick three points, but this header was ruled

out for off side. It finish 1-1 -- their fair share of of first day

disappointments. This goal helped buck the trend against newly

promoted Chesterfield. Andy Robinson and Adam ma girk, a result

last season, are Huddersfield still nursing a hangover? They got lucky

will Cullen was denied what looked like a clear penalty. The tide soon

to be turning in the second half. Roberts gave Huddersfield the lead

when he converted from Lee Novak's cross. But that served only to

inspire Bury. Tremendous away form paved the way from their pro

position from -- promotion from League two. Peter Clarke cleared

off the goal line. Ryan Lowe got 28 goals last year

and the first of his campaign was enough for a point.

We could have been better with the ball and without the ball. Credit

to Bury they have come and done a good job on us.

Stevenage built their success last season on being hard to beat. This

looks likely to continue as they earned a point against Exeter. In a

match where chances were at a premium, the home side nearly took

the lead. Big nell had time and space.

Stephenage start life in League one asking to face Bournemouth at the

start of next season too. Having seen them on day one of last year.

Bobby Wright-Phillips setting up Dale Stevens to put Chris Powell's

men on course for a comfortable win. After the break, Charlton doubled

their lead in spectacular fashion. This fabulous volley left their

opponents well and truly floored. After reaching the the play-offs

last term, Bournemouth will be expecting to be challenging this

time and hopes of a recovery were raised as Phew wriggled his way

forward. It got worse when Adam Barrett clipped the shins of

Wright-Phillips. Not hard to see why Charlton are one of the

to curse their luck at home to Hartlepool. Carol Robinson's side

dominated possession. Adam Boyd's header. A period of pressure at the

start of the second half paid off for last season's play-offs semi-

finalists. With the visitors under the kosh, kosh, three minutes later

this goal looked like giving Hartlepool their first ever win at

stadium MK. 91 minutes were showing when this

but the manager will be hoping for more this seasonment he has

reshaped the squad and one of his new signings made an appact. Adam

Chambers punished his former employers with this effort.

Orient missed out on the play-offs last season. They created the two

best chances. James Walker made a good save.

Smith thought he earned his side a point when his header looked to be

going in, but Walker proved to be Rob Jones got Wednesday off to a

flyer after a whopping through from Julian Bennett.

After being dominated in the first- half, the Lancashire club found

confidence. Ashley Grimes almost levelled the score, but the post

came to Wednesday's rescue. The Owls rattled the woodwork too.

This latest success was their fifth victory in six matches at

Hillsborough, sealed in thunderous fashion.

We know that Rob will score gels from set piece. David, we have

spoken to all our players and to me saying whatever you have done in

the past, you are expected to chip in and certainly, you know, it is a

fantastic goal by David in front of the cop on his first debut at

Hillsborough. He set himself a standard that we will look for him

Jones. Gary Alexander was successful from the spot.

The Bees eased to victory. A second a habit for grabbing the headlines

for right and wrong reasons. He played a big part in the Magpies

first having knocked over Peter Murphy. He looked to Jeff Hughes to

tap home. A debut goal for the former Bristol Rovers man for the

travelling fans to enjoy. The goal was contested by the home side who

felt that Murphy was fouled in the build-up. Hughes made it three

when Murphy and Hughes clashed, the referee spotted this. A yellow card

was the players final act in the match as he was substituted with 22

minutes to play. That was little in the build up to that game. What

they need is more than three points on the opening day, is stability at

that football club? Yes, I think they have got it now. Martin

steadied the ship last year and made sure they were all right. They

have started very well. I know they will be well organised. He has got

them very, very ready for whatever them very, very ready for whatever

is coming. It is fair to say Danny Wilson

ruffled a few feathers. He needs to get the fans on side

and nothing like three points to do that? That's the good thing about

football things can change quickly. Someone's perception of you - a

couple of descent results and suddenly you are everyone's ket

afish. -- kettle of fish.

As for Charlton, a huge change on and off the pitch. 15 new signings.

It is fair to say he is stamping his mark on that side? He is able

to take two or three months to see what was good enough and what

wasn't. He knows they needed to be better this year. Massive changes,

but I am impressed with some of the signings he made and I'm expecting

them to punch their weight. A great finish by Wagstaff there.

A nightmare start for Phil Brown's men men. Preston were difficult to

play against and difficult to beat. You wouldn't put a side that

couldn't buy a win away from home and found it difficult to win on

their travels, scoring four against them particularly at Deep Dale.

big Football League welcome to the new football manager.

It has been given a degree of latitude in the transfer market.

The Swindon manager does his work. He puts the things in place to have

a good season and you get the feeling that could be the same with

Brentford. Bury, away to Huddersfield. League

two now. The latest stage of an incredible

rebirth in South West London. It sounds like the perfect story for

Mark Clemmant to kick off his Football League season.

The AFC Wimbledon story is a Formed as recently as 2002, their

creation came when Wimbledon FC moved. Quite a few reacted by

forming their own club, AFC Wimbledon. Describe the feelings

running amongst the supporters when the FA did sanction the move to

Milton Keynes? A lot of sadness. A lot of anger really. A lot of it

was a real empty feeling in your stomach, what are we going to do

now? We can't go up there to watch football and it wouldn't be

Wimbledon anyway. They were humble beginnings for AFC,

they didn't have any players and they held trials on Wimbledon

Common. He is no good, don't sign him! As a

new club they had to start at the bottom and work their way up. They

moved their way through the leagues and then the two conference

divisions. Just nine years and five promotions later, AFC Wimbledon are

in the Football League! We have been doing the Football

League Show for two years, I don't think I have ever had to use an

umbrella, what does that tell you? I can see you're hardly prepared

for the rain! These boys here behind me have

created history by getting us in the Football League and I've got

utter faith and utter belief that this group of lads can take us to

another level, if not this year, within the next three years.

What are you serving Nicky? Chinese. Chinese.

He is 18 years old, look a the state of him.

We never try to emulate the crazy game. It was brilliant for that

time and I think it is time now for AFC Wimbledon to create their own

history and we're starting to do that.

So you you stand on the terraces and you watch as a fan of the old

Wimbledon when they get relegated out of the Premier League and now,

you are going to be playing your first game in the Football League

for AFC, your story is every bit of the club itself? Yes, it has been

an interesting ride to get to this point. It will be a massive honour.

Oh dear. The team spirit is deaf fitly there. -- definitely there.

That is what the old Wimbledon was built on. If we can get that half

right, we will behalf way there. You will be tingling when you walk-

out against Bristol Rovers. It will be an awesome day. It is big enough

walking out in my first Football League day and with the media

attention it will be a hell of a day really, yeah.

The Dons walked out in white. But a new look Bristol Rovers side

arrived determined to spoil the arrived determined to spoil the

party. The perfect start for the new boss,

Paul Buckle whose starting line-up included ten new faces. These two

were separated by two divisions last season and three minutes later

they were separated by two goals. McLeish showing another side to his

game. Seb Brown denied him a second. The former Leyton Orient striker

kept his composure. Plenty of the Dons boss to consider.

The newcomers came out for the second half with a point to prove.

The crazy gang days may have been consigned to history, but it seems

some habits are harder to break. Route one, the favoured option, was

they pushed for an equaliser. Hopes of a fairytale ending disappeared

with five minutes left on the clock. The referee singling out Johnson

for handball. Hard to tell at first first glance, but after a second

viewing, proof the decision was a right one. Virgo slammed home to

It was a fantastic game. We are delighted to win it. Wimbledon

might feel aggrieved they didn't take a point. On chances created

and the tempo, we deserved to win it and it was a wonderful day.

A draw would have been great, but I don't think we deserved it. They

they deserved to win. We didn't create enough chances. We looked

susceptible, we committed suicide on all three goals and I'm going to

have nightmares watching them An emotional day for all concerned.

Here is what happened elsewhere in League 2. Crawley Town went to Port

Conference last season, Crawley Town have already been installed as

one of the favourites for promotion. One of their new signings, Tyrone

Barnet, opened the scoring. Port Vale responded quickly. Richards

equalised. But the leak to a new boys were not to be put off their

task. -- League 2. McFadzean put them ahead. Defender Jon Dunster

woke findings of a little unfortunate to be facing a ban. --

Jon Dunster. 14 minutes remain, could the new boys hang on for a

famous victory? With time ticking down, they threw everything at

probably 10. They made the extra man pay. Dogs and Port Vale a share

of the spoils. -- Dodds. We have played some super football. People

say we are grisly, too. It is important that we played with

quality. We try to pass it. After two successive relegations and

beset by financial problems, just starting the season is an

achievement for a Plymouth. They fell behind at Shrewsbury through

Collins. Peter Reid's Rockies have an average age of 23. Even with

Carl Fletcher in the side. He measure at the County Ground to

with this Paolo Di Canio pick his first steps into football

management. -- Witless. It took Swindon until the stroke of half-

time do break the deadlock. Kennedy scored from the penalty spot. Known

for his theatrics and clowning around as a player, Di Canio has

warned his team not to try anything similar. It appears he has allowed

certain exceptions. Risser made a two with a volley to Canio himself

would have been proud of. The victory was rounded off by Aidan

But now you put yourself in trouble. Everybody will wait for you. If we

have good enough to handle that situation we will have a business

in that the future. All the action in this one came in the second half.

Dagenham & Redbridge opened the scoring. Elito nipped-in on the

line. Macclesfield went close themselves. A long ball downfield

should have been easy to deal with for Dagenham. After Miss

communication, Lewington was adjudged to have handled and was

then sent off. They hung on to were opened the new campaign with a win.

Accrington Stanley are looking for an improvement on the road this

season. This free kick was there highlight. Having flirted with

relegation last season, Northampton boss Gary Johnson is under more

pressure to improve matters. Robinson went closest. Northampton

have now managed two wins in 21 league games. You can always rely

on at the English Riviera to provide some opening day sunshine.

Burton took a second half lead. The striker was soon celebrating his

second. Park's what the goalkeeper in trouble and Richards did the

rest. He is good with his feet, to it is now down to Martin Ling to

pick up the pieces after last season's play-off defeat. Howe

provided the start for a fight back. The Devon club stretched their

unbeaten run of first-day fixtures to 10 with nine minutes remaining,

Mansell scoring the equaliser. Burton boss Paul Peschisolido

admitted a draw left a bitter taste in his mouth. Probably not helped

day of last season when they shared the points. Gillingham went one

better this time. Lewis Montrose took a 22nd month lit. The home

nearly doubled their advantage as eight minutes from time when Rooney

was dismissed for a rash challenge. The referee had no hesitation in

showing him a red card. The sending off had little impact on the game.

Gillingham and ran out comfortable winners. There were plenty of new

faces on show at the Don Valley Stadium. Some enjoyed better

fortunes than others. Michael Juba re failed to find the net. --

Michael Duberry. Grabban was one of five Rotherham players handout at

debut. His spectacular effort made it am very start. -- a good start.

It might have been better for the new boy. 9th last year, automatic

promotion is the aim at this time Hereford, hoping to avoid a 10th

consecutive defeat against Southend. It was a much tighter affair this

time. A well-worked move saw Bilel score first Southend. Paul

Sturrock's men ramped up the pressure in the second half. Harris

almost got that bit you goal. The veteran striker was kept off the

scoresheet. He was left even further frustrated when Bartlett

saved at his feet. Still a winning Bradford permanently after

returning to the club on an interim basis in February. He will have

plenty to think about. Aldershot lost just one of their last nine to

finish the season. They took the lead when Danny Hylton scored. It

was right when there was a constant threat in the Bradford team. He was

instrumental in the second for Aldershot. At Threlfall own goal.

That kind of defending will give Jackson real cause for concern. His

team were better in the second half. They managed a late consolation.

making headlines, original Crazy Gang member Lawrie Sanchez was

pulling off a minor miracle. Barnett claimed an opening-day win

at more come. They rode their luck. Barnett finished stronger of the

two pins. Only a fine save prevented Marshall from giving them

the lead. Their first opening-day win was confirmed by Mark Byrne.

And the will mack contender for goal of the month. -- and early

Lawrie Sanchez will be delighted by that Whing. They will have to defy

the odds this season? The first priority will be to stay in the

League and then build on what they have got. I do not think they will

settle for staying in the league. Their ambitions will be higher.

for the favourites to get out of the division, it is not often you

see teams from the Conference labelled as favourites. Crawley

Town were denied that opening day when at the death by Port Vale.

They had a lot of scalps last year, Torquay. No reason why they cannot

more than cope at this level. It is a difficult place to go. It is a

good result. Crawley up there with the bookies alongside Swindon Town.

12 players in at the county town. - - County Ground. It could be

interesting times? It could. There are quite a few football the clubs

who have brought in a lot of players so far.'s football League

clubs. A lot of them have had good results today. Can there go up at

the first attempt? It is very early. People have got to bed down. On

that performance alone they will expect to be there just might there

about. Another League season is only 90 minutes old. But here are

weekend. None of the newly promoted teams from League 2 could manage

went. Three were held to a draw. In the Championship, Ipswich are top.

A great start for Southampton, Brighton and Peterborough. It was

not the start Bristol City and Leeds United wanted. West Ham

United play Cardiff on Sunday. You can watch the show back a variety

Extent of match highlights just go to the BBC's Board website. -- for