BLACKPOOL, England (Interstat) — Blackpool opened its League One season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Exeter City on Friday, defying a pregame projection that forecast a draw.

The match, played before a crowd at Bloomfield Road, was decided by a first-half goal from midfielder Tom Bloxham. The result gave the home side an immediate three points to start the campaign, while Exeter City began its season with a defeat.

The game’s decisive moment arrived in the 29th minute. Blackpool midfielder George Honeyman initiated the play, finding substitute Ilmari Niskanen, who had entered the match earlier. Niskanen delivered the assist to Bloxham, who finished to secure the only goal of the contest. The sequence highlighted the impact of Blackpool’s substitutions and midfield coordination.

Exeter City struggled to generate consistent offensive threats against a disciplined Blackpool defense. The visiting side failed to find an equalizer despite periods of possession in the second half.

The match grew increasingly tense as it progressed, reflected in a pair of second-half yellow cards. Blackpool’s George Honeyman, who assisted on the game-winning play, received a caution in the 72nd minute. Exeter City’s Ilmari Niskanen, credited with the assist on the Bloxham goal, was booked eight minutes later.

The final score contradicted the pregame simulation from Interstat, which had projected a 1-1 draw. However, the outcome aligned more closely with the same service’s ELO rating system, which gave Blackpool a 70.80 percent probability of winning the match.

With the victory, Blackpool begins its League One season with a record of one win and no losses, both in the league and across all competitions. Exeter City starts its season with a record of no wins and one loss in League One and overall.

The fixture was the first of the League One season for both clubs, setting an early tone in the standings. Blackpool will look to build on the momentum of the home victory, while Exeter City seeks to rebound from the opening-day setback.

The game provided an immediate test for both sides, with Blackpool’s efficiency in front of goal proving the difference. The single goal from open play was enough to separate the teams in a contest that featured limited clear-cut chances for either side.

Further League One action continues through the weekend.