WALSALL, England (Interstat) — Walsall opened its League Two season with a 2-1 victory over Newport County on Saturday at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium. The match defied a projected draw from Interstat, which had given the hosts an 80% win probability.

Substitute Harrison Biggins put Walsall ahead in the 38th minute. Newport County’s Daniel Kanu equalized in the 62nd, but Alexander Pattison secured the win for the Saddlers with a decisive goal in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time. Pattison also assisted on Biggins’ opener.

The physical contest featured eight yellow cards, with six issued in the second half. Walsall begins the campaign with a win, while Newport County starts with a loss.