Walsall 1 MK Dons 2

Sloppy Walsall slipped to an opening day defeat for the first time in eight years after losing to MK Dons.

The Saddlers last lost on the first day against Ipswich in 2002 but showed no signs of continuing that fine record at the Banks's Stadium.

They gifted Sam Baldock a first half opener, before Manny Smith's bullet header hauled them level.

But Danny Woodards restored the Dons' lead on the hour as the visitors easily held off the disappointing hosts.

Alex Nicholls partnered new captain Darren Byfield after Troy Deeney's switch to Watford – with their former team-mate watching from the stands.

Goalkeeper Jonny Brain, Aaron Lescott, Oliver Lancashire and Ryan McGivern were handed debuts, as fellow new-boys Paul Marshall and David Bevan had to settle for the bench.

With four of their back five debutants, the Saddlers were under pressure immediately.

Dean Lewington's free kick dipped just over and Smith's excellent block denied Baldock after 15 minutes.

The visitors were sharper and snappier than their hosts, who lacked the necessary nous going forward.

Baldock's fine finish was disallowed for offside before Brain saved Jermaine Easter's effort, after the striker escaped the Saddlers' defence.

Richard Taundry bent a free-kick over five minutes before half time – the Saddlers' first effort – before they fell behind on 42 minutes.

Matt Richards tried to usher the ball out as Brain rushed out to claim – but the pair got in a complete mess to allow Luke Chadwick to square for Baldock to scuff in from four yards.

It was calamitous stuff, first day gifts don't get much bigger, but the hosts levelled two minutes after the break.

Julian Gray swung in a corner from the left and Smith's towering header from almost 18 yards arrowed into the bottom corner.

The defender finished last season with the winner in the 2-1 victory over the Dons, but the visitors are made of sterner stuff this time and restored their lead on the hour.

Angelo Balanta drilled in a low corner and Woodards stooped to head in unchallenged.

The Saddlers offered nothing to suggest they could hit back in open play, with Nicholls and Byfield isolated as Gray and Steve Jones were failing to make impact out wide.

Jones skidded a volley wide to remind Dons of their slim advantage, but the visitors were well worth their lead as they cruised to three points.