LONDON (Interstat) — Port Vale opened its League One season with a commanding 3-1 road victory over Peterborough United on Thursday, defying pregame projections.

The visitors struck early and often at Weston Homes Stadium. Substitute Ryan Croasdale opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by Ethon Archer’s first goal in the 16th. Defender James Dornelly added a third in the 31st, effectively sealing the result before halftime. Archer, also a substitute, netted his second in the 59th minute for Port Vale’s final tally. Peterborough managed a lone second-half goal.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, and its ELO system gave Peterborough a 75.9% probability to win. Port Vale’s substitutes provided decisive contributions in the upset.