Exeter City fell to a harsh defeat on the road, losing 1-0 to Bradford City in a match where the Grecians created a number of chances.
Joe Wright scored the only goal of the game after he was left unmarked from a free-kick in the first-half.
Gary Caldwell made two changes to his side, with Jake Doyle-Hayes given the nod after a strong first-half showing away against Brentford U21 in the PL Cup. Akeel Higgins also returned in place of Reece Cole. Josh Magennis returned to the bench after being away on international duty.
First half
City started the match on the front foot and their first chance came in the opening minutes as they forced a corner in front of the Kop. However the ball into the box failed to contact any City heads and went out for a Bradford goal-kick. A misjudged pass by McMillan moments later gifted the hosts a corner, their effort also amounting to no real threat.
As the match crept towards the tenth minute, Higgins and Wareham rallied to create a brace of chances for the Grecians, Higgins' shot bobbling just wide of the post and Wareham’s header breezing past the face of goal.
The 21st minute saw the Bantams awarded a corner as the referee played advantage. The subsequent ball into the box fell kindly to Wright who was able to convert and give the hosts the lead.
Minutes later in a rallied effort to get back level, Niskanen was brought down on the edge of the Bradford box. A free kick that was largely protested by the onlooking Bradford supporters fell to Aitchison at the far post, dribbling forward and delivering another promising ball into the box, however met with no Grecian bodies.
With ten minutes until the break, City continued to dominate the chances. A ball from Higgins fell at the head of Wareham, Walker coming off his line to punch the ball away. A subsequent corner landed at the back post, however unable to finish the chance off with the ball launched away from danger.
The final clear-cut chance for the visiting Grecians came in the 39th minute, Brierley’s driven shot from 20 yards out being cruelly deflected over the bar. It seemed that City were not going to let the host’s opener dampen any spirits, fighting for a leveller right up until the referee blew for the break.
Second half
Gary Caldwell’s side would have to endure a quick start to the second half for the hosts. Pressure on the City backline almost told, with a header at the back post brushing the outside of the net. A brisk response from the Grecians came moments later, a misjudged pass from the Bantams' defence falling to Wareham, his shot rolled inches wide of the post from a tight angle.
With the game approaching the hour mark, the hosts created an onslaught of chances on the Grecian goal, the closest chance came when the ball fell to the feet of Sarcevic on the edge of the box who’s driven shot veered wide of the post, a much-needed respite for City.
After weathering a dominant phase of play from the Bantams, City thought they had found themselves a way back into the game. A ball played into the box was partially cleared by Walker however Wareham was there to follow up and put the ball in the back of the net, the striker was deemed offside by the linesman.
With the introductions of Yfeko and Oakes, the Grecians would look to regain a foot hold in the game, Brierley’s shot on the edge of the box in the 75th minute a clear sign of this. A free-kick in the following moments provided another chance for the Brentford loanee, his shot brushing the outside of the net much to the despair of the onlooking away end.
Aitchison was next with a shot for City, meeting a precise cross from Niskanen inside the box and volleying the ball towards the corner, only for the ball to be met by Walker. With six minutes added on after the 90 had surpassed, newly introduced Francis produced a brace of shots at goal, the first deflected back to the midfielder with his second effort rising high above the crossbar.
Up Next
City now face a week away from league action; first up is a trip to Luton Town on Tuesday in the Vertu Trophy. Tickets for this fixture are available to buy here.
Match Info
Bradford City XI: Walker (GK), Touray, J. Wright, Power ©, Neufville, Sarcevic, Humphrys (Cook 69’), Baldwin (Byrne 79’), Pattison (Swan 46’, Metcalfe 93’), T. Wright, Pointon (McIntyre 79’).
Unused Subs: Hilton (GK), Lapslie.
Goalscorer: J. Wright 20’
Yellow Cards: Power 30’, Pointon 76’, Walker 89’.
Exeter City XI: Whitworth (GK), McMillan (Francis 80’), Turns (Woodhouse 90’), Fitzwater, Brierley, Wareham, Aitchison (Magennis 80’), Niskanen, Higgins (Oakes 70’), Sweeney ©, Doyle-Hayes (Yfeko 70’).
Exeter City Unused Subs: Bycroft (GK), Swinkels.
Yellow Cards: Sweeney 56’, Wareham 88’.
Attendance: 19,713 (including 464 from Exeter)