EXETER, England (Interstat) — Exeter City defeated rival Plymouth Argyle 2-0 in a League One match on Thursday at St James Park. The home side’s victory defied pregame projections that favored the visitors.

Reece Cole opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Akeel Higgins sealed the win with a second-half goal in the 58th. The match was a physical affair, resulting in five yellow cards. The result marked the first match of the season for both clubs in the competition.