ARBROATH, Scotland (Interstat) — Saint Johnstone opened its Scottish Championship campaign with a commanding 4-2 victory over Arbroath at The Greenversity Stadium at Gayfield on Saturday.

The visitors defied pregame projections, as Interstat’s simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw and gave Arbroath a 66.5% probability to win. Saint Johnstone seized control with two first-half goals. Ryan Dow opened the scoring in the 34th minute before setting up James Gullan’s strike seven minutes later.

Arbroath responded after halftime with quick goals from Liam Smith and Thomas O’Brien in the 56th and 58th minutes, briefly leveling the match. Saint Johnstone substitutes Josh Fowler and Jack Baird then scored in the 66th and 74th minutes to secure the win. The match was marred by eight yellow cards. Saint Johnstone begins the season 1-0-0, while Arbroath starts 0-1-0.