LEAguE 1 RouNd-up
JAY SPEARING, sent-off in Bolton’s first match of last season, scored the only goal as Wanderers began life in English football’s third tier for the first time in 23 years with a 1-0 win over Sheffield United.
The former Liverpool midfielder struck a sweet 20-yard right-foot volley after 37 minutes.
It came against the run of play as the Blades, favourites for the title, dominated the opening exchanges.
Striker Leon Clarke should have put the visitors ahead with an early header and narrowly missed tapping in a cross by lively Mark Duffy, before Spearing fired in his first goal since February.
Bolton nearly doubled their advantage after 64 minutes but George Long’s fine save kept out a Darren Pratley header after 64 minutes.
Victor Nirennold earned Fleetwood a deserved point in a 1-1 stalemate at newlypromoted Northampton.
The home side took just nine minutes to open their account.
David Buchanan’s shot was only partially cleared and Alex Revell’s effort hit the upright but the ball rebounded into the net via the diving Chris Neal.
But Fleetwood got back on level terms seven minutes after the restart when Northampton failed to deal with Conor McLaughlin’s cross and Nirennold stole in at the far post to score.
David Ball and Eggert Jonsson then spurned chances to seal a win.
Millwall sit top of the table after thrashing Oldham 3-0 at the New Den. Lee Gregory, Aiden O’Brien and Byron Webster were on target for the Lions.
Bolton, Gillingham, Scunthorpe, Walsall, Bury, Peterborough, MK Dons and Swindon all join them on three points after opening their campaigns with victories.