Exeter City made it back-to-back wins at St James Park with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon under the lights on Tuesday evening.
In a tight contest short on clear chances, it was Jack McMillan’s late strike that secured a valuable three points for the Grecians in Sky Bet League One.
Manager Gary Caldwell made just one change from the side that swept aside Wycombe Wanderers in the Emirates FA Cup second round three days earlier. Liam Oakes earned his first league start, replacing Ethan Brierley, who dropped to the bench.
First Half
City began confidently on the slick St James Park surface. A long ball forward in the opening minute caused hesitation in the Wimbledon back line, and although Nathan Bishop recovered to gather ahead of Ilmari Niskanen, it served as an early warning.
The Grecians continued to move the ball with purpose. On his first league start, Oakes impressed early, snapping into a midfield challenge before releasing Niskanen down the right. The Finnish international picked out Jack Aitchison, whose snapshot was deflected wide. Moments later, Akeel Higgins sliced wide from a tight angle inside the area.
City dominated the early stages, forcing consecutive corners through strong wing play, but both set piece delivered by Pierce Sweeney were dealt with by the Dons defence.
It took until the 35th minute for the visitors to muster an attempt. Marcus Browne broke forward and fired from distance after riding a challenge, but his shot deflected wide. The subsequent corner flashed dangerously across Whitworth’s goal but evaded everyone.
The sides went into the break level after a competitive but chance-light first half.
Second Half
Neither side made changes at the interval, and the cagey pattern continued. Wimbledon’s Alistair Smith tested City first, striking from the edge of the area on 53 minutes, but his deflected effort led only to a corner that City cleared under pressure.
Caldwell turned to his bench just after the hour mark, introducing Ethan Brierley for Oakes to add fresh impetus in midfield.
City’s most promising play continued to come through Niskanen. In the 56th minute he rode a challenge down the right and won another corner, which Sweeney whipped in low across the six-yard box, but no red shirt could apply the decisive touch.
Wimbledon then created the best chance of the match to that point. In the 66th minute, Johnly Yfeko was dispossessed, allowing Omar Bugiel to burst through on goal, but Whitworth produced an excellent save to keep the score level.
That stop proved crucial, as City broke the deadlock ten minutes from time. Substitute Josh Magennis held the ball intelligently before feeding Niskanen on the flank. His low delivery found Jack McMillan, who fired a crisp, low finish into the bottom corner sparking jubilation in the Big Bank.
City pushed for a second shortly after as Sonny Cox cut inside and fired from 20 yards, but Bishop held comfortably.
With six minutes added, City stood firm, defending with discipline to see out a hard-earned and important victory.
Up Next
The Grecians travel to face Bolton Wanderers this Saturday in Sky Bet League One. Tickets and travel are on sale now - click here for full details.
Match Details
Exeter City XI: Whitworth (GK), Niskanen, Sweeney (C), Fitzwater, Yfeko (Woodhouse 81'), McMillan, Doyle-Hayes (McDonald 81’), Oakes (Brierley 59’), Aitchison, Higgins (Cox 71'), Wareham (Magennis 71')
Subs not used: Bycroft (GK), Turns.
Yellow cards: Fitzwater 44’, Yfeko 67’
Goals: McMillan 80’
AFC Wimbledon XI: Bishop (GK), Asiimwe, Seddon (Ogundere 76’), Reeves (C) (Hippolyte 85'), Orsi (Maycock 76’), Bugiel, Browne, Smith, Bauer, Harbottle (Nkeng 71'), Lewis.
Subs not used: McDonnell (GK), Hedges.
Attendance: 5,579 (435 away)