NEWPORT, Wales (Interstat) — Crawley Town opened its English League Two season with a 2-0 away victory over Newport County on Friday, defying pre-match projections.

Substitute Harry McKirdy scored twice in a decisive two-minute span late in the match, finding the net in the 57th and 59th minutes at Rodney Parade. His brace powered the visitors to the win.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, and its ELO system gave Newport County a 72.3% probability to win. Crawley Town improved to 1-0-0 in the league, while Newport County fell to 0-1-0.

The match featured six yellow cards, three for each side, in a physical first half.