Harvey Rodgers's first-half goal was enough to give Grimsby Town a 1-0 win over Exeter City at Blundell Park as both sides opened their League Two season. The midfielder struck in the 34th minute, the only goal of an afternoon in which Grimsby had much the better of the chances.
Grimsby finished with 52% of possession to Exeter's 48%, and led on shots 19 to eight, four of them on target to the visitors' one. Cameron McJannet was booked for a foul for Grimsby in the 42nd minute, and Jake Doyle-Hayes for Exeter in the 22nd.
Exeter manager Matt Taylor said afterwards that his fans must give his young squad time to adapt to the level. "Through no-one's fault they're on the pitch and there's no harder moment to start out then Grimsby away and Plymouth away, so it's difficult," he said. "But they're trying, they're really trying. It's important our fans understand that they are giving absolutely everything. We'll be short in certain moments and we will look a little bit ragged and a bit messy at times, but we'll get better over time, I fully believe that."
The defeat came at the start of a rebuilding season for the fan-owned club, which has leaned on young players after losing a host of experienced squad members it could not afford to replace following relegation from League One. With limited funds left in the transfer window, Taylor has kept hold of striker Jayden Wareham and midfielder Reece Cole.