Darlington are the early pace setters after beating Macclesfield Town 4-0. Swiss striker Gaetano Giallanza marked a perfect debut with a goal after 12 minutes and Barry Conlon, on his return to the club, struck a hat trick after 32, 41 and 73 minutes to seal victory for the 3/4 Quakers.

Peterborough United won their first match with Keith Alexander in charge, beating Bristol Rovers 4-1. Jamie Day broke the deadlock after 10 minutes, Richard Butcher scored on 32 and Simon Yeo added a third three minutes later as the Posh dominated the first half. Sammy Igoe reduced the deficit seven minutes after the interval but Lloyd Opara struck a fourth for the 11/10 Posh on 77.

Newly promoted Accrington Stanley were brought down to earth with a bump as they crashed 2-0 at Chester City. Drewe Broughton drew first blood after15 minutes and Gregg Blundell converted from the penalty spot four minutes from time for the 6/5 Blues.

Fellow promoted side Hereford United faired better as they defeated Stockport County. Stuart Fleetwood scored for the 2/1 Bulls on 41 while Tamika Mkandawire made sure with a second after 59 minutes.

Grimsby Town came from two goals down to beat local rivals Boston United at Blundell Park. The Pilgrims took the lead through Francis Green on 16 and Julian Joachim nine minutes after the break but a double from Peter Bore on 68 and 79 and Isaiah Rankin after 73 minutes ensured a home win at 9/10.

Martin Allen got off to a winning start as manager of the MK Dons as they defeated Bury 2-1. Izale McLeod scored from the penalty spot after 59 minutes but Andy Bishop equalised nine minutes time, also a penalty. McLeod struck again two minutes later to win the match for the 4/6 Dons.

Swindon Town won the battle of the two relegated sides as they secured a narrow victory at Hartlepool United. Lee Peacock struck the decisive goal after 11 minutes for the 21/10 Robins.

Lee Thorpe struck five minutes into stoppage time to earn an opening day victory for Torquay United at Barnet. A stalemate looked almost certain Paul Warhurst's careless back pass enabled the 21/10 Seagulls to return home with maximum points.

A single goal was all that was required for Walsall to beat Rochdale at Spotland. Martin Butler scored the crucial goal for the 8/5 Saddlers three minutes into the second half.

Shrewsbury Town drew 2-2 with Mansfield Town in the first match of their final season at Gay Meadow. Matt Hamshaw put the visitors in front after 17 minutes but Stuart Drummond drew the Shrews level five minutes later. The home side took the lead thanks to a Dave Edwards goal after 31 minutes but the Stags sealed a 23/10 draw when Simon Brown equalised on 43.

A new look Notts County held Lincoln City to a 1-1 draw at Sincil Bank. Adie Moses put the Imps in front after 10 minutes, but the Magpies snatched a 12/5 draw when Jeff Hughes scored an own goal after 55 minutes.

Wrexham earned a share of the spoils at Wycombe Wanderers thanks to a wonder strike from Mark Jones. Striker Tommy Mooney put the Chairboys in front after six minutes before Mark Jones equalised after 32 minutes to set up a 9/4 draw.