A number of highly-fancied teams came unstuck, but there were some dominant showings nevertheless. In the first installment of a new weekly feature, we take a deeper look at the performances and trends to establish who is on the way up, and who is badly losing momentum. The first leader in our League One power rankings is a side who have spent well and are led by a very familiar face….
9. 12. Rochdale
Almost gave away a three-goal lead but three immensely valuable points for a side many tipped to struggle this season. Goals looked like they could be a problem so to start to so emphatically in that regard is impressive. Photo: George Wood
10. 11. Doncaster Rovers
It was a brutal summer for a side who over-performed so impressively last year. Their manager was poached, key loans ended and John Marquis left just days before the big kick-off. Darren Moore was a great appointment, but he has much to do in the market. Struggled early on against Gillingham but dominated the second half to settle a few nerves and they still boast some good individual quality. Photo: George Wood
11. 8. Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe have quietly done some of the best business in the league this summer and now have the pace and creativity to do some damage this season. It was no surprise to see Paul Smyth score on his debut, the striker such a lively and threatening player at this level. Photo: Charles McQuillan
12. 7. Coventry City
Not the most convincing display from a side so fancied this season, but a clean sheet and most importantly, an early win in the unfamiliar surroundings of St Andrews, their 'home' ground for the campaign. Photo: Morgan Harlow