OXFORD, England (Interstat) — Jamie Donley’s 34th-minute goal gave Oxford United a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday in the opening match of the English Football League Championship season.

The forward finished from close range at The Kassam Stadium after a setup from substitute Sean McLoughlin, who was later booked. The lone goal defied a pregame projection from Interstat that forecast a 1-1 draw, though its system heavily favored Oxford.

Both teams opened their league campaigns with the result, leaving their season records unblemished. Blackburn substitute Hayden Carter also received a late yellow card in the physical contest. The win provides an early boost for Oxford in the 46-game second-tier season.