Reading's first third-tier game in 21 years ended in defeat as Ruben Selles began life in charge at the Madejski Stadium with a 1-0 defeat to Peterborough.
Ephron Mason-Clark struck two minutes before half-time to condemn the home side to an opening-day loss following relegation from the Championship last season, inflicted after they were hit by a six-point deduction for financial irregularities.
Barnsley put the heartbreak of their last-minute defeat in last season's play-off final behind them by beating Port Vale 7-0 at Oakwell, Devante Cole netting an opening-day hat-trick whilst goals from Liam Kitching, Jon Russell and Andrew Dallas and an own-goal from defender Dan Jones capped a miserable start for Vale.
Blackpool fared better after their relegation to League One, running out 2-0 winners against Burton thanks to a Shayne Lavery double at Bloomfield Road.
Wigan also started life back in League One with a 2-1 victory away to Derby, striker Charlie Wyke grabbing both goals for the Latics.
A goal from George Dobson for Charlton on the stroke of half-time sent Leyton Orient to a 1-0 defeat following their promotion from League Two, whilst Stevenage won 1-0 at Northampton in a meeting between the other two promoted sides.
Exeter were two-goals up inside four minutes as they eventually ran out 3-0 winners away at Wycombe, Bolton won comprehensively 3-0 at home to Lincoln, whilst Cambridge were 2-0 winners against Oxford.
Shrewsbury defeated Cheltenham 1-0 at the New Meadow whilst Bristol Rovers' visit to Portsmouth and Carlisle's game at home to Fleetwood finished 1-1.