Before the start of play they were ranked as the least likely side to win promotion this season, with odds of 80/1 available for them to win the title.
Scunthorpe are also at long odds to win a second successive promotion, and the 2-0 loss at Brentford will not convince the bookies to change their mind any time soon.
£3million striker David Johnson came off the bench to get Nottingham Forest off to a winning start following their relegation from the Championship.
He hit a 87th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Huddersfield.
Pawel Abbott had equaliser for the Terriers following Scott Dobie's first-half penalty.
Dean Windass inspired Bradford to a 2-0 win over Hartlepool, with experienced winger Bobby Petta adding the second goal.
Gillingham's hopes of an immediate return to the Championship were boosted by a 2-1 win over Colchester.
Former Iron striker Paul Hayes made a scoring debut for Barnsley, helping them to a 2-0 success against Swindon.
League Two champions Yeovil came down to earth with a 2-0 defeat at Oldham, whose goals came in the space of three first-half minutes from Chris Porter and Paul Warne.
Rotherham's fortunes showed little sign of improving as they slid to a 2-1 home loss at the hands of Walsall.
Jorge Leitao lobbed a winner in the third minute of time added on for the Saddlers, a goal that Millers boss Mick Harford described as a 'fluke'.
Port Vale won 2-1 at promoted Southend, while Adebayo Akinfenwa pouched the only goal at the New Stadium as Swansea celebrated moving into a fresh home by beating Tranmere.
Bristol City were held to a goalless draw by Doncaster at Ashton Gate, while MK Dons fought back to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth.