LEAguE 2 RouNd-up

BLACKPOOL can finally look forward to a campaign with some confidence after opening their first season back in the fourth tier since 2001 with victory.

Kyle Vassell set them on their way to a 2-0 victory over Exeter after he slotted home with 19 minutes on the clock.

Exeter should have been level five minutes later after Lee Holmes picked out Ollie Watkins but he could only slam a diving header on to the post from two yards.

The woodwork denied Exeter for a second time after 44 minutes, as Jake Taylor’s flick came back off the inside of the far post, with the result put beyond doubt when Troy Brown deflected Brad Potts’ cross past Bobby Olejnik to ensure victory.

Billy Paynter rescued a pointfor Hartlepool in a 1-1 stalemate with Colchester at Victoria Park.

Tom Eastman put the visitors ahead after just four minutes but Paynter converted a 28th-minute penalty – after Craig Slater brought down Nathan Thomas – to ensure the points were shared.

Carlisle claimed a point from their long trip to Portsmouth but had to battle for almost an hour with 10 men.

Reggie Lambe’s early opener put the Cumbrians ahead but the loss of Jamie Devitt for a second booking – something boss Keith Curle said he “didn’t agree with” – prompted a home onslaught.

And Carl Baker struck just before half-time, although the home side were then wasteful in the second period when they could have won the game.

Morecambe were beaten 2-0 at Football Leaguenewcomers Grimsby.

Kayden Jackson and Ben Davies were on target for the Mariners.