Jack Bycroft's late heroics earned City a valuable point against high-flying Stockport County at SJP in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
City's keeper popped up with a powerful header in the fifth minute of added time to earn City a point.
The Grecians found themselves 2-0 down after quick-fire goals from Mothersille and Stokes, before Reece Cole and Timur Tutierov levelled the scores. Bailey looked to have won it for Stockport before Jack Bycroft headed home in added time.
Exeter City manager Matt Taylor stuck with the side that picked up a point in the Devon Derby at Home Park last Saturday. The one change came on the bench with Ryan Rydel unable to play due to being on loan from our visitors. He was replaced by Akeel Higgins.
First Half
The visitors, Stockport, got the game underway in sunny Devon. City started brightly, looking to take the initiative against the high-flying Hatters. Inside the opening minutes, Reece Cole and Danny Andrew combined well, with Andrew delivering a dangerous low ball into the box that evaded everyone.
Despite the Grecians’ strong start, Stockport took an early lead in the 9th minute. A turnover saw Wareham dispossessed, and a simple cross found Malik Mothersille, who calmly slotted home from close range to open the scoring.
City looked to respond quickly. In the 12th minute, a swift counter from a Stockport corner saw Mendes Gomes thread a pass through to Ilmari Niskanen. He beat his man well but was quickly closed down as the visitors recovered.
The Grecians had a golden opportunity to equalise after 22 minutes. Jayden Wareham was played through and appeared to be pulled back, but the referee waved play on. Wareham managed to find Mendes Gomes, who returned the ball into the box, only for Wareham to fire agonisingly wide of Addai’s goal.
Stockport doubled their advantage in the 28th minute. City were caught out by a ball over the top, allowing Mothersille to break through again. He squared it into the box for Josh Stokes, who made no mistake in sweeping home.
City searched for a route back into the game, with Niskanen and Cummins combining to create another opening. Wareham connected with the resulting cross but could only send his effort over the bar.
The Grecians pulled one back in style in the 35th minute through Reece Cole. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, City's No.12 struck a precise effort into the bottom corner to reduce the deficit.
As half-time approached, Stokes tried his luck from distance with a powerful strike heading towards the top corner, but Bycroft reacted well to push it to safety.
Stockport pushed hard to restore their two-goal cushion in added time, forcing City onto the back foot. However, a crucial goal-line clearance from Reece Cole ensured the Grecians stayed within one. After weathering late pressure, City went into the break trailing by a single goal.
Second Half
The visitors picked up where they left off at the start of the second half, carving open the City defence with ease. Odin Bailey flashed a dangerous ball across the face of goal, just beyond the reach of Sidibeh, allowing City to escape the early danger.
Moments later, the lively Mothersille burst into the six-yard box and chipped the ball over the advancing Bycroft, but Ed James recovered superbly to make a crucial intervention and keep it out of the net.
That scare sparked a response from City. Jayden Wareham saw a low effort deflected wide before Danny Andrew delivered a teasing cross that just evaded Ilmari Niskanen.
Manager Matt Taylor made an attacking change on 55 minutes, introducing Ethan Brierley for Kevin McDonald, and the substitute quickly made his presence felt. Wareham and Mendes Gomes both had close-range efforts blocked, before Brierley himself forced a fine save from Addai with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.
City drew level in style in the 70th minute. Brierley picked out Niskanen on the flank, and his superb cross was met on the volley by fellow substitute Timur Tutierov, who swept home to ignite wild celebrations inside SJP.
Five minutes later, Taylor made a triple substitution, bringing on Luca Woodhouse, Jack Aitchison and Josh Magennis. However, just two minutes after the changes, Stockport regained the lead. Bailey reacted quickest inside the box after a shot rebounded off the post, firing home beyond Bycroft who had no chance.
City pushed hard in search of another equaliser, but clear chances were limited as the visitors looked content to protect their slender advantage. Seven minutes of added time offered renewed hope for the Grecians.
Tutierov delivered a clever low cross to Magennis, whose effort was blocked, and City earned a late corner from the follow-up. Moments later, a long ball into the area saw Woodhouse force a point-blank save from Addai as the pressure mounted.
With time running out, Bycroft went forward for a final corner. Danny Andrew delivered, and the goalkeeper rose highest to power home a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, sending the Big Bank into raptures.
City pushed for a winner in the closing moments but ultimately had to settle for a point in a pulsating encounter at SJP - a result that could prove vital with just two games remaining.
Up Next
The Grecians are next in action in a crucial game at Burton Albion on Saturday, April 25. Tickets are selling well for the match with almost 1000 sold so far! Click here for tickets.
Match Details
Exeter City XI
Bycroft (GK), McMillan, Sweeney (C), James (Woodhouse 75), Andrew, McDonald (Brierley 55’), Cummins (Aitchison 75’) Cole (Magennis 75’), Niskanen, Mendes Gomes (Tutierov, 62’), Wareham.
Subs not used
Phillips (GK), Higgins.
Goals
Cole 35’, Tutierov 70’, Bycroft 90+5.
Stockport County XI
Addai (GK), Diamond (Bate 90+2'), Mothersille (Barry 60), Dixon, Edun (Bailey 45’), Pye, Wootton, Osborn, Norwood (C), Stokes, Sidibeh (Olaofe 60’)
Subs not used
Hinchcliffe, Olafe, Fiorini, Grogan.
Yellow Cards
Edun 15’
Goals
Mothersille 11’, Stokes 29’, Bailey 77'
Attendance
6,653 (491 away).