Accrington Stanley took the lead three times as they beat promotion favourites Doncaster Rovers 3-2 on the opening day of League Two.
Rommy Boco and Matty Pearson twice put Stanley ahead, with the latter scoring a sensational 30-yard strike. Tommy Rowe and Andy Williams twice levelled the score, but Sean McConville’s curling effort from Chris Eagles’ pass ensured the three points went to John Coleman’s side.
Accrington boss Coleman – Photo: Ryan Smyth / Offside.
Blackpool are hoping for a better season this year after back-to-back relegations, and the Tangerines won their first game in the fourth-tier since 2001 with a 2-0 victory over Exeter City.
Kyle Vassell opened the scoring on his debut with just 20 minutes played, before Troy Brown deflected the ball into his own net.
Grimsby Town returned to the Football League after a six-year absence with a 2-0 victory over Morecambe and the hosts’ 6,000 fans did not have to wait long before their first goal, as Kayden Jackson slotted the ball into the net inside the opening six minutes. Ben Davies doubled the lead with a magical free-kick with less than half-an-hour to play.
Mansfield Town narrowly defeated Newport County 3-2 after scoring a stoppage-time winner, after twice taking the lead earlier in the match.
Matt Green headed the Stags ahead, before Jack Compton curled in a great free-kick. Danny Rose then restored the visitor’s lead, only for Joss Labadie to make it 2-2. Kevan Hurst then struck a curling 20-yard effort into the top right-hand corner in the final few minutes.
Yeovil Town got off to a comfortable start in League Two when they dispatched of Notts County 2-0 at Huish Park. Kevin Dawson scored for the first time in almost two years after a mistake by Magpies goalkeeper Adam Colin. Otis Khan then wrapped up the points with less than half-an-hour gone when he tapped in the rebound from Ryan Hedges’ shot.
Crawley Town won their first game under Dermot Drummy following their 1-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers to retain their record of never having lost on the opening day in the Football League. Captain Jimmy Smith scored the winner with an hour played, but the Red Devils’ afternoon did not go all to plan as Andre Blackman received a second yellow card in stoppage-time.
Luton Town comfortably claimed victory at Plymouth Argyle, as they ran out 3-0 winners, despite having only ten-men on the pitch. Danny Hylton opened the scoring shortly after half-time, which was quickly followed up by Jack Marriott’s precise finish.
The Hatters then saw Dan Potts dismissed after receiving his second yellow card, but the Hatters still managed to add a third when Jonathan Smith’s effort was lashed into the net.
Two second-half goals ensured Crewe Alexandra got off to the best possible start in League Two, with a 2-1 win at Stevenage.
On-loan Chelsea midfielder Alex Kiwomya was the star of the show, after initially setting-up Ryan Lowe to make it 1-0, he scored an exquisite solo goal to double their advantage. After picking up the ball just over the halfway line, the 20-year-old glided through the hosts’ defence with ease, before calmly slotting the ball into the net. Charlie Lee notched up a late consolation strike for the Boro.
One of the favourites for the League Two title this term, Portsmouth, got off to a slow start after drawing 1-1 at home to Carlisle United. Pompey star Carl Baker rescued a point for the hosts, after Reggie Lambe had given the visitors the lead.
Chelsea winger Kiwomya has joined Crewe on loan until January, 2017 – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
It was a tale of the debutants when Barnet visited Cambridge United with both sides scoring a goal each. Piero Mingoia put United in front when he converted Blair Adams’ cross with just over an hour played to mark his debut. But, Alex Nicholls endeared himself to the visitors’ fans when came off the bench to earn a point for the Bees in his first appearance for the club.
Cheltenham Town came from a goal down to draw 1-1 in their first match back in the Football League, when they hosted Leyton Orient. Gavin Massey gave the O’s faithful something to cheer after just three minutes as he turned in Sandro Semedo’s deep cross. But the hosts were keen to ensure their party would not be ruined when Billy Waters equalised with quarter of an hour to spare.
And finally Colchester United were held to a 1-1 draw as well at Hartlepool United, as the U’s were hoping to get off to a winning start after last year’s disappointing relegation. Tom Eastman gave the visitors the lead inside five minutes, but a Billy Paynter penalty denied them an opening day win.
Player of the Weekend: Alex Kiwomya (Crewe Alexandra)
Team of the Weekend: Grimsby Town
Goal of the Weekend: Alex Kiwomya (Stevenage vs CREWE ALEXANDRA)
