Lee Bullock was quick off the mark with the first goal of the new season after just 2 minutes, but York's lead was short-lived with Paul Raven heading in an equalizer 2 minutes later. The Minstermen were soon in front again with Lee Nogan making it 2-1 after 13 minutes, and despite having player-manager Chris Brass sent off later in the half for violent conduct, 10-men York held on for the win.
Huddersfield Town 2-2 Cambridge United (attendance: 10,319)
Daniel Chillingworth sent Cambridge ahead after 18 minutes, but two goals from Jonathan Stead put the Terriers in the driving seat. However, they were denied their first win since being relegated from Division 2 when Dave Kitson followed on his fine form of last season with a last minute leveller.
Hull City 4-1 Darlington (attendance: 14,675)
Ben Burgess opened the scoring after 26 minutes, but Barry Conlon silenced the biggest Division 3 crowd of the day 4 minutes before half time. However, City turned on the style in the second half, and three summer signings secured top spot for the Tigers with Jason Price, Alton Thelwell and Danny Allsopp getting debut goals.
Kidderminster Harriers 2-1 Mansfield Town (attendance: 3,180)
After Mansfield's Wayne Corden cancelled out Bo Henriksen's early lob with a 65th minute free kick, it was up to the Dane to win the points for the Harriers. He did so by converting a penalty in the 75th minute after Jamie Clark handled in the box.
Leyton Orient 1-3 Doncaster Rovers (attendance: 5,194)
On their first day back in the Football League, Doncaster went ahead in first half stoppage time thanks to Gregg Blundell. New signing Leo Fortune-West scored twice in the second half to extend their lead, making Matt Lockwood's 77th minute penalty nothing more than a consolation.
Lincoln City 0-1 Oxford United (attendance: 4,543)
Steve Basham scored after just 6 minutes, and after Lincoln were reduced to 10 men with Simon Yeo given his marching orders on the half-hour mark there was no way back for the home side.
Macclesfield Town 0-0 Boston United (attendance: 2,222)
Boston came closest to breaking the deadlock when debutant Peter Duffield hit the bar with a 25-yard shot, but the home side held on for a point.
Northampton Town 0-1 Torquay United (attendance: 5,675)
The pre-season hype surrounding Northampton proved to be a load of cobblers as they crashed to defeat on their first day back in Division 3. Jason Fowler got the only goal just after the hour mark to get the Gulls off to a good start in 2003/04.
Rochdale 1-3 Yeovil Town (attendance: 4,611)
Kevin Gall scored for Yeovil in their first ever Football League game after 26 minutes, but Paul Connor equalized just before half time. But 'Dale couldn't spoil the league newcomer's day, with Lee Johnson and Gall again scoring in the second half to earn Yeovil the 3 points.
Scunthorpe United 1-2 Bristol Rovers (attendance: 4,186)
Adam Barrett put the visitors ahead after only 13 minutes, but Peter Beagrie restored parity midway through the second half with a penalty after Matthew Sparrow was brought down. However, former Iron player Lee Hodges came off the bench to score the winner in the 77th minute and secure 3 points for Rovers.
Southend United 2-0 Cheltenham Town (attendance: 4,403)
Mark Gower added to his first half strike with a successfully converted penalty in injury time to get the Shrimpers off the board in 2003/04.
Swansea City 4-2 Bury (attendance: 8,826)
Bradley Maylett got his season off to a good start with a hat-trick for Swansea. He opened the scoring after 5 minutes before Andy Preece levelled midway through the half. Maylett got his second on 79 minutes and Lee Trundle extended their lead 3 minutes later. Lee Connell gave the Shakers a lifeline with 5 minutes to go, but Maylett completed his hat-trick in stoppage time to secure 3 points for his side.
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