Mac blunts Blades

Coventry came from behind to take a 2-1 half-time lead at home to Sheffield United on the opening day of the new First Division season as former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Gary McAllister began his career in management.

Carl Asaba’s superb 13th-minute strike from the edge of the box had given the Blades the lead at Highfield Road.

But Sky Blues player-manager McAllister helped get his side back in the game when he set up an equaliser for Jay Bothroyd three minutes later.

Gary McSheffrey then put the home side in front five minutes from half-time with a tremendous shot.

Leicester survived an early scare in their first competitive match in the Walkers Stadium as they began life in Division One at home to Watford. Brian Deane appeared to handle the ball in his own box after 10 minutes, but to the Hornets’ dismay nothing was given in a disappointing half.

East midlands rivals Derby, also relegated from the Premiership last season, endured a goalless first half against promoted Reading. Italian striker Fabrizio Ravanelli came closest for the Rams, hitting the crossbar from a free-kick which had Royals goalkeeper Phil Whitehead beaten.

There was no new-season optimism in evidence at Wimbledon, where an estimated 200 fans populated the home end.

Dons fans have deserted the club in droves after the board’s decision to relocate later in the season to Milton Keynes, and the few that decided to turn up at Selhurst Park today saw them being held goalless at half-time by Gillingham.

First Division new boys Brighton took the lead at Burnley thanks to a goal from Steve Melton in the 29th minute.

Phil Mulryne did his best to put a smile on the face of Norwich fans after last season’s play-off final defeat, cracking in a 30-yarder on the half-hour against Grimsby which gave Mariners goalkeeper Danny Coyne no chance.

Paul McVeigh added a second for the Canaries five minutes before the break as Nigel Worthington’s men put themselves on course for victory.

Millwall made a poor start to their campaign after reaching the play-offs last season, Darren Byfield putting visitors Rotherham ahead in the 23rd minute and Martin McIntosh doubling the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Ronnie Moore’s side finished just above the First Division relegation zone last season but looked set to make a positive start to the new campaign.

Deon Burton marked his return to Portsmouth on loan from Derby with a goal after seven minutes against Nottingham Forest, for whom Des Walker was back in defence after 10 years away from the club. Vincent Pericard, on loan from Juventus, put Pompey 2-0 up in the 45th minute with a diving header.

Craig Brown’s return to club management with Preston got off to a quiet start with no goals in the first half of their match against Crystal Palace.

New Stoke boss Steve Cotterill watched his side hold Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 in the first half at Hillsborough.