Dave Challinor was satisfied with the performance of his Hartlepool players on a “brilliant day” that saw Gavan Holohan’s late goal snatch a 1-0 win against Crawley on their return to the EFL.Challinor could not hide his delight on the touchline when midfielder Holohan chested down new loan signing Tyler Burey’s cross before firing the ball into the bottom corner in the 8...Full Story »

Swansea manager Russell Martin refused to criticise his “brave” goalkeeper Steven Benda despite the player’s mistake in Saturday’s opening 2-1 Championship defeat at Blackburn.In his first game in charge of last season’s play-off finalists, Martin tasted defeat with a team that looked a lot different in personnel and style from that game at Wembley.An enthralling en...Full Story »

New Leyton Orient boss Kenny Jackett was pleased to come away with a 1-1 draw at Salford.The former Portsmouth manager was handed a dream start to his O’s tenure with debutant Omar Beckles in the right place at the right time to fire home the opener after an impressive Tom King save.However, the Ammies – buoyed on by supporters in a competitive match for the first time in 74 weeks &n...Full Story »

Michael Appleton was happy to escape Priestfield with a point as Lincoln held Gillingham to a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the League One season.Tayo Edun had got the visitors off to a flyer but Steve Evans’ Gills levelled on the stroke of half-time when Danny Lloyd bundled home after a frantic goalmouth scramble.Lincoln went down 2-1 to Blackpool in last season’s play-off final an...Full Story »

Ipswich boss Paul Cook said his new-look team need “time to grow” after their 2-2 draw with newly-promoted Morecambe at Portman Road.The Blues, who gave debuts to eight players following a busy summer in the transfer market, twice came from behind and grabbed a last-gasp equaliser through substitute Macauley Bonne after Scott Fraser had levelled for the Tractor Boys.Morecambe gave an...Full Story »

Exeter manager Matt Taylor had nothing but praise for his injury-hit side as they fought hard and repelled much-fancied Bradford in their League Two opener at St James Park.Both teams had chances to win the game, but lacked a killer touch with the match finishing goalless in front of a raucous crowd in Devon.Tim Dieng forced Richard O’Donnell into a save, low to his left, with Exeter&rsquo...Full Story »

Millwall boss Gary Rowett believes Jed Wallace proved his commitment to the club with his performance and goal celebration against QPR.The Lions began their Sky Bet Championship season with a 1-1 draw in west London, where Wallace ran to the opposite end of the pitch to celebrate in front of the away fans after firing in the opening goal.Rob Dickie’s brilliant strike hauled Rangers level j...Full Story »

Stoke boss Michael O’Neill praised his side’s character after a thrilling 3-2 win against Reading.The Potters were twice pegged back as goals from Nick Powell and Jacob Brown were cancelled out by John Swift and Liam Moore, but debutant Sam Surridge came off the bench to grab a late winner in an entertaining encounter at the Bet365 Stadium.It is the first time since 2009 that Stoke h...Full Story »

Stevenage got their Sky Bet League Two campaign off to the perfect start with a dogged 1-0 win over Barrow at a raucous Lamex Stadium.Jake Reeves got the only goal of the game just moments into the second half, crashing home Jamie Reid’s excellent cross to send the Stevenage faithful into raptures.Barrow could count themselves slightly unlucky not to get a point from the entertaining encou...Full Story »

Partick Thistle made it two wins from their opening two matches with a dominant 3-0 win at Dunfermline.The visitors took a seventh-minute lead when Ross Docherty headed in a Kyle Turner cross.It did not take long for Thistle to double their lead, with Kevin Holt heading home another inviting cross from Turner in the 22nd minute.Dunfermline’s Ross Graham put through his own net in the 78th ...Full Story »