FALKIRK, Scotland (Interstat) — Falkirk opened its Scottish Premiership season with a 3-2 road victory over Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday, defying heavy pre-match odds.

Interstat’s ELO system gave Motherwell a 91.5% probability to win, but Falkirk seized control early. Substitute Barney Stewart scored just three minutes in. Midfielder Elliot Watt made it 2-0 in the 34th, and fellow substitute Benjamin Broggio added a third before halftime.

Motherwell’s comeback attempt fell short despite a stoppage-time goal from Tawanda Maswanhise. Five yellow cards were issued in a chippy second half. The result gives Falkirk a winning start in league play while Motherwell begins with a loss.