Bristol City came out on top in the battle of the pre-season favourites for Sky Bet League One title glory when claiming a 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Aaron Wilbraham put the visitors ahead with a powerful header after 20 minutes but the Blades hit back through big summer signing Michael Higdon, a former SPL Golden Boot winner.

However, City hit the front again on 72 minutes when Wilbraham turned provider with a superb flick-on for Wade Elliott to fire home the crucial strike.

Leyton Orient were also strongly tipped to be among the front runners for promotion after being bought by Italian billionaire Francesco Becchetti over the summer, but Chesterfield clearly had not read the script prior to running out 2-1 victors at Matchroom Stadium.

Romuald Boco fired the visitors ahead in the seventh minute and Eoin Doyle doubled the advantage with just over 10 minutes left on the clock, before Darius Henderson bagged a late consolation for the home team.

Preston were another popular pick to do well after finishing fifth last term and enjoying an impressive run of pre-season results, which included a win over Burnley and a draw against Leicester.

However, North End were grateful for a point at home to Notts County after Joe Garner's last-minute strike cancelled out Jake Cassidy's opener for the Magpies.

Barnsley had Dale Jennings dismissed when going down 1-0 to Crawley at Oakwell, with Izale McLeod bagging the crucial strike, while Kyle Vassell also netted the only goal of the game as Peterborough obliged 1-0 at Rochdale - with Sir Alex Ferguson watching on from the stands as son Darren's side prevailed.

There was plenty of late drama at Bradford, where Reda Johnson looked to have earned Coventry a point with his second goal on 89 minutes, only for James Hanson to complete his own double and give the Bantams a 3-2 victory in stoppage time.

Jonathan Forte was another to bag a brace as Oldham drew 2-2 at Colchester, while Michael Smith achieved the same feat as Swindon won 3-1 at home to Scunthorpe, who had Marcus Williams sent off.

Fleetwood prevailed 2-1 at home to Crewe, MK Dons came from 2-0 down to beat Gillingham 4-2, Port Vale and Walsall drew 1-1 and Doncaster got off to a flying start with a 3-0 success at Yeovil.