Football Analyst

Bournemouth remained on top of the Championship after second half substitute Junior Stanislas struck the only goal of the game against Brentford. Millwall kept their clean sheet record in tack winning 1-0 at recently relegated Fulham with Martin Woolford with the goal. 2 Kenywyne Jones goals helped Cardiff up to third with a 3-1 win over Huddersfield. Peter Whittingham opened the scoring before Jones got his first, Murray Wallace kept the Terriers in the game before Jones scored his second. Britt Assombalonga twice leveled for Forest in their 2-2 draw with Bolton. Joe Mason headed in before Assombalonga equalized,  David Wheater took advantage to put Bolton 2-1 before Assombalonga’s penalty leveled.

A goal in each half from Rudy Gestede helped Blackburn win the Lancashire derby against Blackpool, Tomasz Cywka scored the consolation goal for Blackpool. Wigan lost their third game of the season going down 2-1 at Charlton. Jordan Cousins opened the scoring with a  curling finish before a piece of individual skill from Callum Mcmanaman drew the Lactics level before an injury time Frank Moussa effort inflicted defeat on Uwe Rosler’s men. Norwich bounced back from defeat at Wolves last week with 3-0 home win against Watford. Watford went down to 10 men early with Joe Ekstrand getting sent off before goals from Bradley Johnson, Lewis Grabban and Alexander Tettey clinched victory for Norwich.

Rotherham secured their first points in the Championship thanks to a second half goal from substitute Ryan Hall against Wolves. New signing Billy Sharp scored 2 minutes from time to give Leeds a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough. Birmingham secured their first win of the season with 1-0 win over Brighton with Wes Thomas getting the winner. Jack Taylor’s first goal for Reading was enough for the Royals to squeeze past Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich side. Sheffield Wednesday and Derby played out a 0-0 draw at Hillsborugh both maintaining their clean sheet records at the start of the season. 

Aaron Ramsey’s injury time finish helped Arsenal overcome an organised Palace side. The Welshman already back in his rich scoring form of last season opened his account last weekend before scoring the winner yesterday. Palace without the departed Tony Pullis were organised and resolute before Brede Hangeland nodded home in the first half to put them in front. Laurent Koscielny glanced home on the stroke of half time to equalize ahead of Ramsey’s winner.

Arsenal remained unchanged from their 3-0 win over Manchester City last Sunday with Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy and Callum Chambers all making their Premier League debuts for the Gunners. Palace started 3 new signings in their first 11 with Martin Kelly playing at full back, Brede Hangeland at center half and Fraizer Campbell starting as the lone front man.  Arsenal started as they normally do with the majority of possession but lacked pace and tempo in their play. Palace rarely looked threatened by Arsenal with Marouane Chamakh playing in a deeper role sitting on Mikel Arteta. Chamakh was a nuisance for Arsenal constantly pressing on the ball when Palace were out of possession. Palace maintained organisation and after a run from Puncheon caused Szczesny to sweep up, the clearance went to Chamakh who saw his effort blocked by Koscielny. From resulting pressure Palace forced a corner where the opening goal was scored. Ledley’s corner was flicked on by Hangeland into the far corner after evading Arsenal’s zonal marking system from the corner. 

Arsenal continued in their normal fashion but the midfield trio of Wilshere, Ramsey and Cazorla were struggling to find space between Palace’s midfield. Cazorla seemed off the pace and out of position on the left hand side, miss placing passes throughout the half. On the stroke of half time, Alexis’s free kick was flicked in by Koscielny after the Frenchman evaded Palace’s scorer from the free kick. The goal came at the right time for Arsenal just before half time giving them a boost before the second half.

Chamakh continued his lively start creating a good chance from Puncheon but the winger saw his shot go straight at Szczesny. Wenger decided to bring on Oliver Giroud and Chamberlain to try and add impetus in the final third of the match. However as like the rest of the game, Arsenal lacked movement and tempo to their game in and around the Palace box, even Chamberlain was in the routine of miss placing passes. Giroud went close for the home side after his cross shot went wide with Ramsey and Debuchy caught on their heels at the back post. But with a minute to go Jason Puncheon was sent off for a second yellow card after catching Monreal with a trailing leg. After an Arsenal corner the ball was played back out to Chamberlain who saw his cross headed down to Debuchy by Koscienly and Giroud. The new signing saw his volley saved by Speroni but the rebound left Ramsey with the easy finish to win the game for the Gunners. Palace would be disappointed conceding two goals from set pieces, but the more worrying thing is the departure of Tony Pullis. Palace’s performance typified the way Tony Pullis had set up the Eagles to become a good Premier League side

Although Arsenal did not play well unlike other years they won ugly today without the big players having a massive impact on the game. With the returning German trio Arsenal have some quality coming back into the team and will need to play better as the season goes on to challenge at the top of the league. 

Gylfi Sigurdsson’s strike 17 minutes from time saw Louis Van Gaal lose his first league match as manager of Manchester United. The attacking midfielder signed from Tottenham in the summer slotted home after a cut back from Wayne Routledge. Swansea took the lead after Ki slotted home in the first half before new United captain Wayne Rooney leveled for the home side before Sigurdsson struck the winner.

Van Gaal set United up in a 3-5-2 formation handing debuts to youngsters Jessie Lingard and Tyler Blackett  with Ander Herrera making his home debut whilst Rooney and Hernandez operated upfront. Ashley Young started at left wing back with Lingard on the other side allowing Juan Mata to play behind the two strikers. Swansea lined up in their typical 4-2-3-1 handing debuts to Sigurdsson and Fabianski in goal who joined from Arsenal in the summer. 

In the opening exchanges United kept the majority of possession but were failing to create chances on the Swansea goal. The 3-5-2 system helped United create a position which best suited Juan Mata, playing behind the strikers but with Young and Lingard attacking players, signs that United could be caught on the break were apparent. A poor piece of control from Routledge after evading Lingard attention was of what was to come. The away side broke the deadlock after 28 minutes, a good move down the left found Sigurdsson in a central area. The Icelandic midfielder laid the ball of to the approaching Ki who slotted low and hard beyond De Gea in the United goal. Swansea remanded comfortable for the rest of the half with United limited to very few chances playing in front of the Welsh side. Swansea continued to look dangerous on the break but Van Gaal’s United held until the break.

In typical Van Gaal fashion, the Dutch manager changed systems and personnel at the start of the second half bringing on Nani for Javier Hernandez. The man known for being a tactician in the World Cup, changed from a 3-5-2 formation to a 4-4-1-1 with Nani playing on the left, Januazzi on the right whist the back four was Jones, Smalling, Blackett and Young. Rooney was pushed further forward whilst Juan Mata remanded in the number 10 position hoping to find space. The change seemed to provide new impetus for the home side and they equalised 8 minutes after the restart. Mata’s corner was flicked on by Jones who saw his header find Rooney who evaded his marker to acrobatically volley home. Although United had equalised apart from a Rooney free kick which hit the post the away side seemed comfortable. With Gary Monk in charge the Welsh side seem like they have a man who is continuing the work that Martinez and Rogers has done previously.

Swansea weathered the so call storm from United who introduced Fellani for Herrera who looked relatively okay in the midfield but did nothing special. Swansea brought on Montero for Nathan Dyer and the Ecuadorian winger helped Swansea retake the lead. Sigurdsson played Montero in on the left hand side, Montero created space putting in a teasing cross. Ashley Young in his unfamiliar role was caught out of position as Routledge came in behind, his miss kick found Sigurdsson on the edge of the six yard box who slotted home between two United players on the line. Swansea continued to press forward trying to kill the game of with new signing Gomis playing well linking up with Sigurdsson. Although United were behind Swansea did not have to produce any last ditch defending to maintain their lead. Apart from a weak handball appeal in added time United failed to work Fabianski in the Swansea goal after going behind for a second time.

Same old United from last season some may say, apart from Rooney up front who still is not at a world class level, there was limited creativity going forward. Mata was nowhere near his best in his preferred position, Januazzi looked lively on the right wing but at times his decision making is poor but will improve over time. Swansea completed a professional performance away from home setting up exactly the right way to play against United. Going forward Swansea looked a threat and with Gomis there new signing looking a threat, they will finish in the middle of the league again. The only danger is if Wilfred Bony leaves but with Bony’s goals Swansea will be hard team to beat at home.

Guido Burgstaller’s 1st goal for Cardiff helped them progress to second round of the Carling Cup. The Austrian striker who signed from Rapid Vienna in the summer opened his account for the Welsh side before a Ryan Haynes own goal sealed the victory. Coventry substitute Shaun Miller gave the Championship side a scare halving the deficit with 7 minutes to go but Cardiff held on.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a host of changes from their opening day 1-1 draw with Blackburn with Nicky Maynard keeping his place up front after injury problems in recent seasons. Cardiff didn’t take too long to get in their stride, opening the scoring after three minutes. Nicky Maynard did well to hold the ball up on the edge of the box laying the ball off to Burgstaller.  The summer signing moved the ball on to his left foot before striking the ball across Lee Burge into the net. Coventry were playing 3-5-2 but were struggling to get at Cardiff’s back four who found the first half easy not being pressed when in possession. Cardiff remained comfortable in their first half but didn’t trouble the Coventry goal apart from a Joe Ralls shot which was saved at the near post.

Danny Pugh was replaced by Ryan Haynes at left wing back and provided an instant impact. The 19 year old defender began to press 10 yards further forward after instructions from boss Steven Prestley. The pressure on the Cardiff defense meant possession was turned over quicker than in the first half with Cardiff struggling to keep the ball. Shaun Miller a summer signing for the Sky Blues after his release from fellow league one side Sheffield United came on with 30 minutes to play. With increased pressing Coventry began to create chances going close on three occasions. Jim O’Brien shooting straight at Moore, Swanson dragging his shot wide after going past two Cardiff defenders and Miller with the best chance after he was found with a raking diagonal ball. The Cardiff defender was caught underneath the ball allowing Miller through on goal, Simon Moore came out putting pressure on Miller who saw his shot go over the bar.

Cardiff introduced Mats Moller Daehli who was a live wire for the visitors on the left wing providing a spark to look for a second goal. The second goal came with 9 minutes to go, a mistake by Jordan Wills allowed Daehli to break behind Coventry defense. Daehli entered the box and played a teasing cross to fellow sub Kadeem Harris. Harris put pressure on Haynes with the Coventry defender putting the ball in his own net. Coventry responded almost instantly with Miller scoring his first goal for the home side. Haynes looking to redeem himself found space on left hand side whipping in a ball to Miller who volleyed home to half the deficit. However the goal was only a consolation for the home side who lost their second game of the season after losing 3-2 away at Bradford on Saturday.

Solskjaer was full of praise of his senior pros helping his young team advance to the second round where they will face Port Vale. The Norwegian manager wanted his team to play with a high tempo and should have had two or three before the break. After half time they took their foot of the pedal allowing Coventry back in the game before link up play between Daehli and Harris.

Cardiff play their first home game of the season when they entertain Huddersfield on Saturday whilst Shaun Miller will come up against his former side when Sheffield United travel to Sixfields.

A Lloyd Dyer strike was enough to send Watford into round 2 of the Carling Cup. The recent addition from Leicester struck 7 minutes into the second half against Hertfordshire neighbors Stevenage. 

Watford made 9 changes from their 3-0 opening victory over Bolton but they still named a strong side. U21 England keeper Jonathon Bond, ex West Brom defender Gabriel Tamas, Keith Andrews Republic Of Ireland International and Ferando Forestieri all started for the visitors. Stevenage adopted a 3-5-2 formation to combat Watford’s territorial possession, only making one change from Saturday’s home win. Forestieri was a constant bright spark for the Hornets, finding pockets of space and he had the first chance of the half but he shot over from outside the box. 

The home side had the first real sight on goal after 13 minutes. Hold up play from Stevenage front man Darius Charles allowed Charlie Lee to receive his lay off. The ex Gillingham man unleashed a fizzing right foot shot which clipped the visitors post. As the half wore on, Stevenage began to get a foothold in the match but were nearly outdone by a quick free kick. After a foul on halfway, Keith Andrews spotted a run from Dyer behind the Boro defence but his touch went narrowly wide of Sam Beasant’s post. Stevenage changed back to 4-4-2 towards the end of the first half and apart from a 25 yard shot from Charlie Lee the first half was uneventful.

Watford began the second half brighter after a team talk from their manager, Beppe Sannino. 7 minutes into the half the deadlock was broken. Forestieri broke down the right flank and his forward pass found Diego Fabrini on the edge of the box. Fabrini beat his man then squared the ball to the supporting Lloyd Dyer. Dyer stepped the goal keeper and finished low into the net. 

Stevenage began to open up more, pushing men forward in search of the equaliser. However Forestieri was having a field day picking up possession deeper and running at the Stevenage defense. Watford nearly doubled their lead after 58 minutes, Gianni Munari who joined on a season long loan from Parma pushed forward. Nice interchange between Dyer, Ighalo and the Italian saw the latter have his goal bound shot brilliantly saved by Beasant.

With 64 minutes gone the home side went agonizingly close to leveling the scores after good work down the left by Bira Dembele. His cross was volleyed at goal by Charles but the Stevenage front man saw his effort fantastically tipped over by Bond. With Stevenage looking for a goal, Watford continued to find spaces in the attacking third, playing on the break where they nearly doubled their lead with 9 minutes to go. Forestieri broke once again down the left and his clipped through ball to the advancing Dyer was perfect. The new signing from Leicester beat Ashton easily but saw his powerful shot canon off the bar. 

With time decreasing, Stevenage last chance came when goalkeeper Beasant went up for a corner in added time. The summer signing for Woking saw his header go just wide. Watford were comfortable winners in the end, Stevenage looked solid at the back but lacking a creative spark in the final third. Charlie Lee and Chris Whelpdale are good signings for Stevenage but if they are to seek a return to League 1 then they will need Calvin Zola back fit soon. Watford highlighted their squad depth especially with Dyer and Forestieri looking lively all game. Jonathon Bond impressed in the Hornet’s goal with his performance including his distribution throughout. 

Stevenage travel to Southend on Saturday before another away trip next Tuesday to Plymouth. Watford face two tough away trips going to relegated Norwich City on Saturday before travelling to the New York Stadium on Tuesday to face Play off Winners Rotherham. 

Teams: 

Arsenal opened up the 2014/2015 season with a 3-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley in the Community shield. First half strikes from midfield duo Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey was followed up by a second half goal from substitute Oliver Giroud. Both teams were without absent players still not back from the World cup with Arsenal missing the three World Cup Winners in Mertesacker, Ozil and Podolski and City missing the likes of Kompany, Aguero and Zabaleta. 

Arsenal started new signings Callum Chambers and Alexis Sanchez in their starting 11 with City including Fernando with Willy Caballero in goal ahead of Joe Hart. In  a scrappy opening period neither side troubled the opponents goal, Arsenal were having more of the possession with them outnumbering City in the middle of midfield. Wilshere, Ramsey and Arteta were finding spaces in among the City pair of Toure and Fernando. Both teams began to look dangerous down their right flanks with Debuchy having a cross blocked whilst Navas was able to get beyond Kieran Gibbs. The Spanish international crossed the ball back to Nasri who had his left foot shot brilliantly blocked by Chambers in the box. Arsenal were beginning to stamp their mark on the game and took the lead after 21minutes. Sanogo played a little ball into Wilshere on the edge of the box, he let the ball run to Cazorla. Cazorla brilliantly fainted left losing Clichy to find space to shoot across the keeper to find the net. 4 minutes later Sanogo had an opportunity to add to his four goals in the Emirates Cup last weekend, a good move down the left saw Cazorla feed the Arsenal youngster but he dragged his shot wide.

Arsenal were still outnumbering City in midfield but the Premier League champions looked dangerous on the break with Jovetic, Navas and Kolarov looking to exploit the Arsenal defense. Kolarov managed to get beyond Debuchy and cross low to the waiting Nasri. As the ball was approaching the retired Frenchman, the ball took a bobble meaning he didn’t connect with the ball. City were more in the game but as they pushed more bodies forward Alexis was beginning to find space in the attacking third. 3 minutes before the break Arsenal doubled their lead, Alexis played a ball for Sanogo in the right channel, the youngster held it up playing a cute ball to on rushing Ramsey. The Welsh captain took one touch losing the City center half, and finish low beyond Caballero at the far post. Arsenal looked a lot sharper and the numbers in the middle of midfield were helping them retain possession longer than City. 

Half time saw the introduction of the diminutive Spanish international David Silva who began to create an impact for City. 7 minutes after the restart Navas got behind Gibbs to pick out Navas at the back post. The Serbian striker was in good form after scoring 5 in 3 in the champions cup in USA but he saw his header hit the post with rebound being blazed over. The introduction of Silva allowed City to retain the ball creating more opportunities for them. 3 minutes after hitting the post Jovetic forced Szczesny into a fine save after being picked by Kolarov on the edge of the box. 

Sanogo was replaced by Giroud at half time and it didn’t take long for the French striker to open his account for the season. Picking the ball up 25 yards from goal, he weighed up his options and unleashed a dipping left foot shot was which went up and over Caballero in the City goal. City were not up to their normal high standards with Arsenal’s midfield working well limiting the ball for City. Mathieu Debuchy and Callum Chambers looked accomplished at the back both looking assured on the ball.  Alexis had the pace and the versatility to play in several positions in the Arsenal team. With Giroud firing, Campbell looking good in preseason and attacking options in Alexis and Chamberlain, Arsenal have options at the top. After losing Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, they need to replace the void left by the departing Belgian and still need some legs in defensive midfield with the question poised will Arteta be able to play 38 games a season?

Arsenal look like they are in good form going into their 4 games in 15 days starting with the league opener against Crystal Palace next week before away in a Champions League Qualifier against Besiktas. Manchester City were not at full strength by all means with them missing 3 of their normal back 4 and will surely play better in their league opener at Newcastle United next weekend. The league will bring different motivations for the players, but with Negredo out injured they need Aguero, Dzeko and Jovetic to fire.

A comprehensive display from Liverpool saw them defeat Borussia Dortmund 4-0. The premier league runners up were far too superior for the Bundesliga runners up. With a full strength team named by Brendan Rogers, goals from Daniel Sturridge, new signing Dejan Lovern, Phillipe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson saw the reds win convincing.

Liverpool started well with slick passing throughout the midfield. The team included new signings Dejan Lovern, Emre Can and recent addition Javier Manquillo who joined on loan from Atletico Madrid. Adopting 4-3-3, Coutinho and Sterling were supporting Sturridge who was playing through the middle. The first chance for the reds came after 4 minutes, great movement in the middle between Coutinho, Sturridge and Henderson with the Brazilian play maker feeding an intricate ball behind the Dortmund right back. Sterling cut inside but his shot was easily saved by the Dortmund keeper. It didn’t take long for Liverpool to break the deadlock, Lovern fed a ball through the middle to Coutinho who showed wonderful skill and precision to flick a ball off the outside of his right boot over the Dortmund center half. Sturridge was on to it in a flash, entered the penalty area and with the outside of his left foot, poked the ball home. 4 minutes later Lovern headed home a Gerrard corner to double the Liverpool lead.

Liverpool were far sharper and slicker in possession than the German runners up with them having one eye on the German Super Cup vs Bayern on Wednesday. Coutinho, Sterling and Sturridge continued to link up very well, showing that they will still play the same way without the departed Suarez. Coutinho movement and skill was highlighting the strange decision it was to leave him out of the Brazilian world cup squad. On the stroke of half time, Gerrard saw a free kick well saved by Langerak in the Dortmund goal.

Liverpool started in the same vein in the second half with the reds pressing high on to Dortmund. The third for Liverpool came after a mistake at the back for the visitors, Sterling ran onto a misplaced pass by Ginter. Sterling looked up and saw Coutinho in the inside left channel, he fed the ball through, two touches and he finished low and hard under the keeper. Gerrard was playing in his familiar quarter back role and playing it well allowing Henderson to venture forward much like he did last season. Dortmund were chasing shadows at times and they were for Liverpool’s fourth. Brilliant one touch passing carved through the Dortmund defense but Coutinho low cross to Sturridge was over hit. The England striker recovered the ball on the byline, cut back past the approaching defender to play the ball back to his England team mate Jordan Henderson to slot home. Dormund looked off the pace which could be concerning with the cup match vs Bayern on Wednesday. Losing Lewandoski would be a miss to any team at this level but the team needs time to gel together.

The German runners up lost the title by 19 points to Bayern last season and it would be concerning with the champions getting even stronger. Jurgen Klopp needs to continue the work he has been doing but Liverpool made them look ordinary. The key aspect for Liverpool is the fact the clean sheet and how well the defense did. Manquillo looked comfortable at right back with Lovern slotting right in at center half both eager and easy on the ball. Liverpool have brought in several key men who will build and strengthen the squad, but still think they will need another striker to fill the void of goals and chances Luis Suarez created last season.

Promotion favorites Derby bounced back from play off heartbreak at Wembley overcoming a resolute Rotherham side with Jeff Hendrick scoring 8 minutes from time in a 1-0 win. Cardiff secured a point away at Blackburn with Kenywyne Jones opening the scoring for the bluebirds, Tom Cairney’s curler equalised for Blackburn. Bournemouth top the league after a 4-0 away at Huddersfield causing Mark Robbins to leave this morning. Danny Pugh scored after a minute before a Yann Kermogant goal and a brace from new £3million summer signing Callum Wilson completed the scoring. Wilson had the chance to complete a hat trick but had his penalty was saved. Ipswich defeated Chamionship new boys Fulham 2-1 with Daryl Murphy and David McGoldrick putting the tractor boys 2-0 up before a deflected Tim Hoolgand shot crept in for the visitors. Tommy Smith equalized on his debut to secure a home draw for Brentford with Charlton after Igor Vetokele opened the scoring with a near post header. Millwall continued the fine end of season form with an easy 2-0 win over Leeds. Mark Beevers swept home from a corner before a second half Sean Williams penalty gave Millwall all three points. Sheffield Wednesday opened up with a 1-0 win away at Brighton with a Giles Coke wonder strike giving new Seagulls boss Sami Hypia the start he wasn’t looking forward to.

Middlesbrough has an easy 2-0 win over a poor Birmingham side. A Daniel Ayala header and a goal from £3million new signing Kike was enough for the home side. Nottingham Forest got off to a good start in Stuart Pearce’s return to the City Ground. Michail Antonio opened the scoring on his debut before a beautiful curling effort from another debutante Chris Burke completed the scoring. Watford opened up with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Bolton, Troy Deeney, the returning Matej Vydra and Fernando Forrestri all scored for the hornets. Wigan and Reading drew 2-2 at the DW Stadium. Calllum McManaman opened the scoring before 2 goals in 6 minutes for the away side changed the game. Sean Cummings scored in his 100 appearance for Reading to level things up before Sean Morrision headed home a well worked free kick before James McArthur leveled the scores in the end. 

Promotion favorites Sheffield United lost 2-1 at home to Bristol City, new signing Michael Higdon equalised with a header after Aaron Wilbraham opened the scoring for the visitors. Wade Elliot’s volley 18 minutes from time gave them the win. Losing play off finalists Leyton Orient went down 2-1 at home to league 2 champions Chesterfield, Romuald Boco and Eoin Doyle put the Spirtates 2-0 up before Darius Henderson scored the consolation goal for the O’s. Doncaster won the battle of the relegated clubs winning 3-0 away at Yeovil. Curtis Main, Harry Forrester and Theo Robinson with goals for Donny. Fleetwood enjoyed their first game in league 1 with a 2-1 win at home to Crewe, David Ball and Jamie Proctor scored in a 7 minute spell after Matt Tootle missed a penalty for Crewe. Bradden Inman scored a consolation penalty for the Railwaymen. Peterborough secured an opening day win away at Rochdale with 1-0 win thanks to Kyle Vassell after selling Britt Assombalonga to Nottingham Forest for £8 Million. League 1 new boys Scunthorpe lost 3-1 away at Swindon. Massimo Luongo opened the scoring before Michael Smith put Swindon 2-0 up. Paddy Madden halved the deficit before Michael Smith put the home side 3-1 up on stroke of half time. 

Bradford won a 5 goal thriller with Coventry at the Coral Windows Stadium. James Hanson and summer signing from Sheffield Wednesday Reda Johnson both scored headers a piece before an Alan Sheenhan penalty put Bradford 2-1 up. Johnson equliazed again before Hanson’s header in stoppage time won the game for Bradford. Colchester and Oldham drew 2-2 with Magnus Okuonghae opening the scoring before a brace from debutante Jonathon Forte who put Oldham 2-1 in front. New signing George Moncur equalised for the U’s. MK Dons completed a fine comeback after going 2-0 down at home to Gillingham after Cody MacDonald and a Danny Kedwell penalty put the Gills in front. An own goal on half time gave the home side confidence before 3 goals in 5 minutes completed the comeback in the second half. New boys Will Grigg and Kyle McFadzean turned the game before a Leon Legge own goal completed the scoring. Tom Pope and Tom Bradshaw both scored as Port Vale drew 1-1 with Walsall. Joe Garner rescued a point for a much fancied Preston side after on loan Jake Cassidy put Notts County in front. Crawley won 1-0 away at Barnsely after an Izale Mcleod header 8 minutes from time after Dale Jennings was sent off for the home side. 

Morecambe top the table after a 3-0 win away at Dagenham, Kevin Ellison opening the scorin with a free kick before Padraig scored from the spot. Jack Redshaw completed the scoring for the shrimps in the last minute. League 2 new boys Cambridge and Luton started back in the league with wins after 9 and 5 years away. Cambridge born Josh Coulson with only goal of game for the U’s vs Plymouth while Mark Cullen tapped home to give the Hatters a 1-0 win at Carlisle. Lee Barnard penalty 5 minutes from time gave Southend all three points away at Accrington. Local lad Joe Hanks scored a beauty for Cheltenham in their 1-0 win at Bury. Wimbledon and Shrewsbury shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Cherry Red Records Stadium. Debutantes Matt Tubbs and Sean Rigg putting Wimbledon 2-1 after James Collins opened then closed the scoring for the Shrews. Promotion favorites Portsmouth had to thank Jed Wallace who equalised after Tom Nichols gave Exeter the lead. Debutante Kaid Mohammed headed home to give Northampton a 1-0 home win vs Mansfield. Lucas Akins scored the only goal of the game to give Burton an opening 1-0 win away at Oxford. Stevenage began their league 2 campaign with 1-0 win at home to Hartlepool with Chris Whelpdale scoring his first goal for the club after a summer move from Gillingham. Wycombe started with a 2-0 win away at Newport with 2 goals in four minutes with Peter Murphy and Paris Cowan-Hall with the goals. James Rowe rescued a point for Tranmere with a stoppage time equalizer after Keith Lowe had opened the scoring for York.