Exeter City fell to their first defeat in five league matches after a spirited performance in Greater Manchester saw league leaders Salford City come from behind to win 2-1.
City took the lead in the first half through Sonny Cox, before the Ammies turned it around in the second half through captain Garbutt’s strike and former Grecian Will Aimson’s stunning strike from range.
Manager Matt Taylor named one change to the side that beat Fleetwood Town last time out, as Sonny Cox returned to the XI in place of Josh Gordon, who was named on the bench.
The Grecians headed to the AIG Stadium in high spirits, after a run of four wins in five league matches and were looking to remain unbeaten against the current league leaders.
Kick-off
The Grecians got the ball rolling in Greater Manchester, taking the game to the League Two leaders from the outset.
City fashioned the first chance of the game in the opening minutes. Fine work from George Birch and Charlie Cummins saw the ball fall to Luca Woodhouse on the edge of the box. With last week’s stunning winner still fresh in the memory, Woodhouse’s eyes lit up, but his effort was quickly closed down by the Salford defence.
Moments later, Birch showed great skill to turn his marker before bursting into the box. A challenge came in from behind, sending the City winger to ground, but the referee waved away the appeals.
The Grecians continued to look dangerous, with some neat combination play between Sonny Cox and Birch creating another opportunity. The ball fell to Harry Kite on the edge of the box, and his powerful drive took a deflection to earn City a corner. However, the visitors were unable to turn the set-piece into a clear-cut chance.
As the game approached the 15-minute mark, Salford threatened for the first time. Wiredu drove forward powerfully before attempting to slide the ball through to top scorer Langstaff, but a combination of Jack Fitzwater and Jack Bycroft worked well to snuff out the danger.
With 25 minutes played, a loose back pass from the hosts presented Cox with a golden opportunity to break through on goal. The striker was brought down just outside the box by Salford goalkeeper Norris, who received a yellow card to the frustration of the home supporters and the delight of the travelling Grecians.
Woodhouse stepped up to take the resulting free-kick from a wide position, but his low effort was comfortably gathered by Norris.
The incident appeared to spark Salford into life, and the hosts soon created a chance of their own. Wiredu found Odoh inside the six-yard box, but Bycroft reacted brilliantly to make a strong save at his near post and keep the scores level.
City's positive approach was rewarded in the 34th minute when Cox put the Grecians ahead. A quick move forward began with Kite winning possession back in midfield before Cummins found Anthony Scully, who played the ball into Cox just inside the box. The striker's effort across goal took a deflection and Taylor Perry tapped home, lthough it appeared to have already crossed the line and the goal was given to City's No.19.
With City firmly on top, Kite continued to impress with his tireless work in midfield, winning possession back once more before finding Scully on the edge of the box. The City attacker looked to add a second, but his effort was dragged narrowly wide.
It was an excellent first-half performance from the Grecians, who combined energy and attacking intent to take a deserved one-goal lead into the break against the League Two leaders.
Second Half
City came back out without any changes and full of confidence from the first half and again looked to take the game to the Ammies.
Cummins continued to press high and won the ball back 20-yards from goal before being felled. City took the free-kick quickly and Birch shot from the edge of the box, but his effort looped up and was easy for Norris.
Ten minutes into the second half and substitute Odoh flew forward for the hosts before finding Langstaff just outside the box, but his effort was high and wide of goal.
City started to drop deep after an hour as Salford looked to draw level. The Grecians were holding up firm to the Ammies attack - showing why they have the best defensive record in the EFL.
George Birch looked City’s biggest threat going forward and he dribbled past a couple of Salford defenders before hitting a low drive towards goal, which Norris got down well to hold at his near post.
With 65 minutes on the clock the hosts struck back and levelled with a flowing move down City’s left. A drilled box across the City goal from Langstaff was sent home by Salford Captain Garbutt.
Matt Taylor turned to his bench as the game approached 70 minutes, with Josh Gordon and Vincent Harper replacing Sonny Cox and Anthony Scully.
Since the goal Salford were on top and had a strong chance to go ahead for the first time as Wiredu found space in the box, his curled effort was pushed away by Bycroft. Minutes later Woodhouse again did well to pressure the Ammies into get the ball back, he found Cummins and his shot from range sadly cleared the Stadium.
City created a strong chance in the 81st minute as Harper started a counter-attack down the left, his ball found Cummins who moved inside before finding Cole, he shifted to Samuel and his shot whistled just wide of the Ammies goal. Minutes later a Sutherland knock on found Gordon who moved into the box before firing wide of goal.
With just two minutes to go, the hosts took the lead in style as former Grecian fired a stunning shot into the far corner from 25-yards which gave Bycroft no chance in the City goal.
With 5 minutes added at the end of the half, City pushed as hard as they could to get back level, but were unable to find the goal the performance deserved and the run of strong form ended with a narrow 2-1 defeat to the league leaders.
Up Next
The Grecians are on the road again next weekend in FA Cup first round action away to Huddersfield Town. Tickets are available, with more information available by clicking the image below.
Match Details
Salford City XI
Norris (GK), Aimson, Woodburn, Langstaff, Garbutt Odoh, Bonds, Scarr, Oluwo, Molyneux (Udoh 54’), Wiredu (Asimwe 85’)
Salford City Unused Subs
Burge (GK), Cooper, Butcher, Turton, Nbai.
Salford City Goalscorers
Garbutt 65’, Aimson 88’
Salford City Yellow Cards
Bonds 44’, Wiredu 45+1
Exeter City XI
Bycroft (GK), Samuel, Fitzwater (C), Taylor, Woodhouse, Kite (Oakes 80’), Cummins, Perry (Cole 74’), Birch (Sutherland 80’), Scully (Gordon 69’), Cox (Harper 69’).
Exeter City Unused Subs
Phillips (GK), James.
Exeter City Goalscorer
Cox 34’
Exeter City Yellow Cards
Woodhouse 49’
Attendance
TBC