Third Division promotion favourites Hull got off to a perfect start with a convincing 3-1 win over Exeter at St James' Park.

Brian Little's side fell behind in the 22nd minute when Jamie Cantell put the home side ahead.

Cantell was the first to react after striker Steve Flack's shot had been blocked and he fired home from six yards past Matt Glennon.

But the Tigers were back on level terms 11 minutes later when substitute Theodore Whitmore headed in from David Beresford's cross.

Hull then began to dominate proceedings and Mark Greed fired them ahead after 57 minutes.

New recruit Lawrie Dudfield, a £250,000 signing from Leicester, wrapped up the points five minutes from time.

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Exeter: Van Heusden, Buckle, Campbell, Watson, Burrows, Kerr, Ampadu, Barlow, Birch, McCarthy, Flack. Subs: Andy Walker, Curran, Richardson, Tomlinson, Roberts.

Hull: Glennon, Edwards, Whittle, Goodison, Mohan, Greaves, Beresford, Johnsson, Williams, Dudfield, Alexander. Subs: Musselwhite, Rowe, Price, Philpott, Whitmore.

Referee: A Bates (Stoke on Trent)