Exeter City narrowly lost out against top of the league Lincoln City in a feisty affair at St James Park.
Exeter City retuned to St James Park for Matt Taylor’s third game in charge, just three days on from a narrow defeat at Oakwell against Barnsley. With the Grecians yet to record a win since a 3-1 away victory against Port Vale at Vale Park in January, a top-drawer display would be required to overcome top of the league Lincoln City.
Matt Taylor made two changes from his side that lost in Yorkshire, with Ryan Rydel and Carlos Mendes Gomes making way for Liam Oakes and Charlie Cummins respectively, a golden opportunity for the City academy to shine once again.
First Half
Exeter City were tested early on when Rob Street arrived on the edge of the penalty area before firing over the bar and into the Thatcher’s Big Bank with just a minute played, it seemed the high-flying Lincoln City were certainly looking for a brisk start.
The Imps sustained the pressure as the game approached the tenth minute when Street was fouled on the edge of the area, forcing the first free kick of the encounter. The visitors looked to import a move from the training ground, however a resilient block from the City defence stopped Adam Reach’s shot dead in its tracks.
In a swift response from the hosts, Jack McMillan worked hard to reach a ball on the byline before dragging back to Jayden Wareham and Josh Magennis arriving in the Lincoln area. While neither striker was able to take the chance, the ball was half-cleared to Ethan Brierley who patiently passed to Ilmari Niskanen, however the Fin’s cross was cleared away to send a period of attack from the Grecians.
As the Grecians once more looked to stamp their authority on the game, Jack Aitchison was called upon to test George Wickens in the Imps goal. The Scotsman’s effort was enough to force a corner for City and while the initial set piece was cleared, Lincoln had to react quickly to defend Luca Woodhouse’ follow-up shot from close range.
A spell of pressure in City’s half of the pitch eventually told in the 32nd minute when Tom Hamer was first to meet the ball from a free kick to poke the ball into the back of the net, giving the visitors the lead.
It appeared the Imps aimed to make hay while the sun was shining, with further shots from Tom Reach and Ryan One forcing Whitworth and the City defence into some fine stops to prevent the game from running away from the Grecians.
With the first half entering stoppage time, a late corner for City offered a lifeline. Brierley’s first ball was blocked but quickly fell back to the Brentford loanee, his second effort nodded away to Aitchison on the edge of the box whose driven shot deflected into the path of Pierce Sweeney, the Irishman’s effort saved by Wickens.
One would get a chance on the counterattack before the half was out, however the Lincoln man’s effort flew wide of the post from a tight angle allowing Carl Brook to blow the whistle for the break.
Second Half
The visitors had picked up where they left off and were desperately searching for a second as quickly as possible, with City having to stand firm and defend numerous early chances. Academy product Cummins was called into some fine defensive action when One’s shot was blocked and fell to Jack Moylan, who wound up a powerful effort that ricocheted off the young defenders back and away from danger.
After a ten-minute period where the Grecians struggled to leave their own half through a ruthless onslaught from the Imps, Aitchison broke free to drive through the middle before laying off to Wareham. The serial goalscorer opted to cross towards Magennis at the back post; however, the Northern Irishman’s header flew well-wide of the post.
A triple change from Matt Taylor saw a change in shape for the Grecians, with Danny Andrew, Akeel Higgins and Reece Cole all introduced in the hunt for an injection of energy. A smart passage of play from Niskanen and Sweeney down the right wing allowed the City skipper to send one of his signature crosses into the path of Magennis at the back post, once more placed wide though.
With the clock approaching the 75th minute It was a rinse and repeat move for the home side when Sweeney crossed in again, this time to Wareham at the near post who ever so slightly misjudged his header and sent his effort north of the Lincoln goal and into the Thatcher’s Big Bank.
Andrew was next to send a cross over the Lincoln box, met by Wareham who nodded onto Niskanen down the righthand side. The Fin was quick to react and sent an inviting ball towards Wickens’ near post, only for Wareham to arrive on the scene and strike agonisingly wide.
With six minutes added on after the 90 had been played, the Grecians continued to enjoy the majority of chances. Despite the relentless chanting and wishing from the Big Bank, the referee's whistle came just too soon and called an end to an entertaining encounter between the two sides that extended the Imps lead at the top of the table.
Up Next
It’s another quick turnaround for the Grecians, who return to SJP on Saturday where they will host Cardiff City. Tickets for this game are still available, with more information available here.
Match Details
Exeter City XI
Whitworth (GK), McMillan (Andrew 55’), Brierley, Wareham, Aitchison (Cole 55’), Niskanen, Woodhouse, Sweeney ©, Magennis, Oakes (Higgins 55’), Cummins (Mendes Gomes (82’)
Exeter City Unused Subs
Bycroft (GK), Cox, McDonald
Exeter City Yellow Cards
Bycroft (45+4’), Magennis (90+7')
Lincoln City XI
Wickens (GK), Darikwa ©, Reach (Elerewe 89’), Bayliss, Moylan (Towler 70’), McGrandles, Bradley, Street, House (Jefferies 70’), One (Hackett 70’), Hamer
Lincoln City Unused Subs
Jeacock (GK), Lloyd, Varfolomieiev
Lincoln City Goalscorers
Hamer (32’)
Lincoln City Yellow Cards
Darikwa (35’), Bayliss (77’), Reach (87’), Bradley (90+7'), Jefferies (90+7')