8 – 2000 Hartlepool United (H), 0-2
Hartlepool had been play-off contenders the season before, while we had slipped into midtable, but hopes were high we’d be looking back up the table. A home tie on the opening day is there to be won, but instead, we we easily beaten
What really stung for me was the opening goal, scored by my former hero Tony Lormor. I also hated the kit, everything about this game stunk. In the end, it wasn’t too shabby – Hartlepool finished fourth, we were 18th and until a late run of wins, in serious danger of the drop.
7 – 2010 Rotherham United (A) 1-2
I didn’t have high hopes for this game, but even so, it was a rubbish opening day. It was at the Don Valley Stadium, a venue made for athletics. It was Chris Sutton in charge, and while we weren’t expected to smash the league, I thought we might have a chance.
We were level until four minutes from time, but succumbed to a 2-1 defeat. We all left thinking the task of promotion might be a big step, not knowing it would be our final opening day of a league season for six years.
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