Hamilton, taking charge after Steve Parkin departed for Barnsley earlier this week, will be delighted to have got off to a flying start. Clive Platt's (pictured) goal after 50 minutes put Dale on their way, before Gary Jones sealed the win (71). Rovers were reduced to ten men after 57 minutes when Latvian international Italy Astafjves was dismissed.
Chris Greenacre's wonderful season continued at Brunton Park as his 14th goal of the season was enough to give Mansfield a 1-0 win over Carlisle. Dave Rogers made the home's sides task even more difficult in the second half when he was sent off for his second bookable defence.
Hull City suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Lincoln City. The Red Imps opened the scoring after 30 minutes when Dave Cameron scored and Tony Battersby doubled their advantage just after the hour mark. The prolific Gary Alexander pulled one back for Hull in the last minute, but it was a mere consolation for The Tigers.
Rushden & Diamonds recent good form continued as they beat Halifax 2-1. Scott Partridge opened the scoring after 31 minutes, before Peter Thomson - on loan fron Luton - came off the bench to score the second after 71 minutes. Bottom of the table Halifax pulled one back with just minutes left through Neil Redfearn, but it was too little too late.
Darlington secured their first win under new manager Tommy Turner, debutant Brian Healy grabbed the only goal of the game with just 16 minutes remaining, after coming on as a second half substitute.
Hartlepool recorded their second successive victory with a 2-0 win over Exeter. Goals either side of half time from Gordon Watson (36) and Tony Lormor (89) sealed the win.
Swansea came from behind to beat Torquay 2-1 at Plainmoor. Marcus Richardson put the home side in front after just 10 minutes, but then a brace from Mamady Sidibe (65 & 82) gave The Swans all three points.
Kidderminster pushed themselves up the table with a tremendous 3-1 at Leyton Orient. Midfielder Dean Bennett scored after 20 minutes to put The Harriers in front. Jeff Minton equalised just before the hour mark, but then a Kidderminster's two debutants - Ritchie Appleby (80) and Bo Henriksen (82) - scored within two minutes of each other to give Jan Molby's men all three points.
Division Three:
Bristol Rovers 0 Rochdale 1
Carlisle United 0 Mansfield Town 1
Darlington 1 Oxford United 0
Hartlepool United 2 Exeter City 0
Leyton Orient 1 Kidderminster Harriers 3
Lincoln City 2 Hull City 1
Rushden & Diamonds 2 Halifax Town 1
Torquay Utd 1 Swansea City 2
