RE: Football League: Discussion
nPower League 2
Morecambe started their League 2 campaign in style after beating Exeter City 3-0 away from home on the opening day of the season. Two goals from Andrew Fleming including a 35-yard lob sent Morecambe racing into a 2-0 lead. Izak Reid then wrapped up a convincing display from the travelling side.
Rotherham United also showed their intent with a comfortable 3-0 win over 10-man Burton Albion. Daniel Nardiello scored from the spot early on before Odejayi headed the Millers two up before half time. It was Ben Pringle who finished things off by grabbing the third goal in the second half.
Port Vale also won by a 3-0 margin beating a poor Barnet side at Vale Park. Louis Dodds opened the scoring early on before Jennison Myrie-Williams doubled the lead from the spot after Tom Pope was fouled by Jon Nurse. It was Pope who popped up again in the 75th minute to seal the victory.
Oxford United overcame a tough opening day tie against Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium by defeating the hosts 2-0 thanks to two first half goals from Jake Forster-Caskey and Alfie Potter.
Cheltenham Town hope to go one better then last season and began with a convincing 2-0 win Dagenham and Redbridge. Shaun Harrad got the first of the two goals on the brink of half time, poking home from a Sido Jombati cross. Jermaine McGlashan struck in the second half to kill the game off, the ex Aldershot winger scoring from 25 yards.
Promotion hopefuls Gillingham hosted Bradford City in what was anticipated to be a tight fixture. However a brace from Danny Kedwell and a goal from Myles Weston on his debut meant Gillingham ran out 3-1 winners.
Newly-promoted York City were to find out quickly the hard task ahead of them as they were soundly beaten 3-1 at home by Wycombe Wanderers. Matt Bloomfield, Sam Wood and Gareth Ainsworth all scored for Wanderers. Jason Walker's did score for the home side after 54 minutes but it was nothing more then a consolation.
Dean Holdsworth's men began their season with a tricky tie away to Plymouth Argyle, but it was Aldershot Town who ran out deserved winners, beating the home side 2-0. Troy Brown got the 'Shots off to a good start, heading past the Argyle 'keeper from a Anthony Tonkin freekick after 5 minutes. Michael Rankine was bundled down in the box just after the second half began and the ref awarded a penalty. The home fans did their best to put of Josh Payne, but failed as he slotted home to ensure the 'Shots took all three points home with them.
Accrington Stanley caused the biggest upset of the day as they beat the mighty Southend United 1-0 at Roots Hall. Karl Sheppard scoring the only goal of the game
Blue Square Premier winners Fleetwood Town drew 0-0 with Torquay United. Micky Mellons side unable to break the dead lock had to settle for a point in the end.
Rochdale and Northampton Town also played out a goalless draw, Rochdale who had several chances failed to convert any against a dogged Northampton.
Finally Jack Midson's first-half goal was enough for AFC Wimbledon to beat relegated League 1 side Chesterfield at home. Terry Brown was delighted with the win and said after the game "I can't get the smile off my face, we've had one of the most dismal pre-seasons I can remember having."
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
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