Darlington topped the table after one match following a 4-0 demolition of Macclesfield Town. 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 opened the scoring 10 minutes, Richard Butcher netted on 32 and Simon Yeo struck a third on 35. The Gas hit back through Sammy Igoe seven minutes into the second half but Lloyd Opara restored a three goal advantage on 77 for the 11/10 Posh.

Accrington Stanley, the Conference Champions last season, were welcomed to the Football League with a 2-0 defeat at Chester City. Drewe Broughton scored the home side's first after quarter of an hour and Gregg Blundell's penalty four minutes from the end sealed it for the 6/5 Blues.

However, fellow promoted side Hereford United enjoyed opening day success at Stockport County. Stuart Fleetwood scored for the 2/1 Bulls nine minutes before the break and Tamika Mkandawire added a second on the hour.

Grimsby Town came from behind to beat Boston United. 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 beat Hartlepool United at Victoria Park to get the better of two relegated sides. Lee Peacock netted the only goal of the game after 11 minutes for the 21/10 Robins.

Lee Thorpe scored a 95 minute winner for Torquay United at last season's strugglers 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 earned a draw against Mansfield Town to mark 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. Dave Edwards put Shrewsbury in front after 31 minutes but the Stags earned a 23/10 draw when Simon Brown scored two minutes before the break.

Lincoln City and Notts County played out 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 returned to Wales with after earning a draw at Wycombe Wanderers. 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.