LEAguE 1 RouNd-up
TITLE favourites Blackburn suffered an immediate setback as Tony Mowbray’s men suffered a 2-1 defeat at Southend.
Having been relegated from the Championship last term, Rovers brought the likes of Bradley Dack, Peter Whittingham and Richard Smallwood to Ewood Park over the summer.
All three were handed debuts at Roots Hall, but first-half efforts from Ryan Leonard and Michael Kightly put the Shrimpers in control.
Charlie Mulgrew pulled one back with a free-kick eight minutes after halftime, but the hosts held on.
Fleetwood got off to a flying start as they downed another relegated club, Rotherham, 2-0
Conor McAleny netted either side of the interval as the Cod Army made a great start to the season.
Paul Cook enjoyed a solid beginning in his first game in charge of Wigan as Nick Powell’s goal handed them the spoils at MK Dons, in a contest which both sides finished with 10 men.
Callum Elder saw red just before half-time for the Latics, while Scott Wotton received his marching orders after 58 minutes.
Rochdale had Keith Keane sent off as they lost 2-0 at last season’s League Two champions Portsmouth.
Colin Daniel’s strike was not enough as playoff winners Blackpool succumbed 2-1 at Bradford
Jermaine Beckford missed a third-minute penalty, but then headed home in first-half stoppage time to hand newlook Bury a 1-0 win at home to Walsall.
Shakers boss Lee Clark has been one of the busiest managers in the transfer market this summer and had nine players making their debuts at Gigg Lane.