Exeter City lose the opener

Exeter City opened their EFL League Two season with a 2-0 defeat at Blackpool in the first clash between the two sides since 2001.

Kyle Vassell’s first half goal gave the Seasiders the lead and an unfortunate own goal by Troy Brown condemned the Grecians to defeat.

It was a case of ‘what if’ for Exeter, who hit the post twice in the first half, but could not find a way past home goalkeeper Sam Slocombe.

City handed debuts to three of their summer recruits with Pierce Sweeney starting at centre back, Lloyd James in central midfield and Robbie Simpson up front. Craig Woodman came in at right-back with Tom McCready taken ill prior to the game and Liam McAlinden was named among the substitutes.

Before kick-off, supporters of both clubs joined together for a minute’s applause in memory of former Blackpool and City midfielder Russell Coughlin, who tragically died last week at the age of 56.

It took both teams a while to settle into the game with the first chance falling to Blackpool’s Bright Osayi-Samuel, who charged down a Brown clearance and the ball ricocheted just past Bobby Olejnik’s upright.

Osayi-Samuel then scuffed a shot into the arms of Olejnik, while Brad Potts was off target with a back post header.

City were not making the most of their forays forward and were made to pay when Blackpool went in front on 20 minutes. Vassell was played in on goal and while his shot hit Olejnik, the ball looped high into the air before bouncing into the goal.

City had a great chance to equalise soon after when Lee Holmes’ deft chip was headed against the outside of the post by Ollie Watkins and Jake Taylor was narrowly wide with a glancing header from a well-worked corner.

However, City were fortunate not to go two goals behind when a cross from the Blackpool left again found Potts at the back post, but he headed over the crossbar from close range.

There was then an unsavoury moment where Danny Pugh and Craig Woodman went in for a challenge and Pugh took great exception to the tackle by grabbing the City full-back and throwing him to the floor. Referee John Brooks issued both players with yellow cards.