Exeter City extended their unbeaten run to four matches after an entertaining 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic at SJP.
Callum Wright opened the scoring in the first half, before Jayden Wareham netted his sixth of the season to earn City a point.
Manager Gary Caldwell named one change to the side that beat Halifax Town 2-0 last weekend in the Emirates FA Cup, with Ed Turns taking a place in defence and Kevin McDonald moving to the bench. Defender Johnly Yfeko was fit enough to take a place on the bench after overcoming a recent injury.
First half:
City started on the front foot, backed by the glorious Devon sunshine, and created the first chance of note after five minutes. Pierce Sweeney finding space down City’s right before whipping a delightful ball into the six-yard box, but there was no one who had gambled and the ball went to safety.
Wigan responded with a quick counter through Christian Saydee who crossed for Borges Rodrigues to head towards goal – the header took a deflection and went out for a corner. The resulting set piece was headed just wide of the City goal – a let off.
With twenty minutes on the clock Whitworth was called into action. Ed Turns was unable to intercept a ball slid through to Callum Wright, but Whitworth was quickly off his line to smother the danger with a fine stop.
The visitors took the lead after 23 minutes and City will be disappointed by the nature of the goal. A long ball from Fox caught out the Grecian backline and Callum Wright controlled in the City box and made no mistakes this time - sliding the ball past Whitworth.
City were straight on the hunt to get level and created a half chance as Turns controlled Andrews long throw before shooting but he was off balance and fired over the bar.
The visitors had a huge chance to double their lead and City had Whitworth to thank again as Murray was found inside the box and again City’s No.1 made himself big to smother the shot.
In the 36th minute City tested Tickle in the Wigan goal. Cole spread a ball out to Andrew who took a lovely first touch before swinging in a cross which was cleared to McMillan on the edge of the box - he took a touch and then fired towards goal, but it was a routine save for Tickle.
City rallied towards the end of the half but were unable to create a chance to level and went into the break a goal behind.
Second half:
Gary Caldwell made one change at the break with Jack Aitchison replacing Akeel Higgins in midfield.
Just three minutes into the second half City had a golden chance to level. Ethan Brierley found Niskanen in space down City’s right and his low cross which was diverted towards goal by Andrew, but it was an easy gather for Tickle.
City upped the tempo and were level after 53 minutes and in some style. Niskanen’s clever flick set Cole away and his low cross was inch-perfect for Warham who flicked the ball into the bottom corner!
Second Half:
Gary Caldwell made one change at the break with Jack Aitchison replacing Akeel Higgins in midfield.
Just three minutes into the second half City had a golden chance to level. Ethan Brierley found Niskanen in space down City’s right and his low cross, which was diverted towards goal by Andrew, but it was an easy gather for Tickle.
City upped the tempo and were level after 53 minutes and in some style. Niskanen’s clever flick set Cole away and his low cross was inch-perfect for Warham who flicked the ball into the bottom corner!
Wigan responded to the setback and Borges Rodrigues low drive tested Whitworth who got a strong hand to the shot to push it wide of goal.
Reece Cole was finding more space and delivered a stunning cross from deep that was just ahead of Wareham, and he couldn’t get a touch to the ball. The visitors looked dangerous on the counter and Wright was found in space inside the box, but his shot was an easy save for Whitworth.
With ten minutes to go, City created a great chance to go ahead. Reece Cole again with a clever through ball to find Niskanen, his low cross was controlled by Aitchison on the edge of the box, and his shot was charged down. Andrews picked up the ball and flashed a dangerous cross across the box.
The Grecians were really putting pressure on Wigan, creating several half chances with the Latics defending deep. Andrews, Cole and Brierley having deflected efforts on goal.
City had a narrow escape with five minutes to go as Wigan captain Kerr had a free header inside the box from a corner but thankfully it was wide of Whitworth’s goal.
Up Next:
The Grecians are in Vertu Trophy action this Tuesday away at Newport County in a 7pm kick-off. Click here for tickets.
Match Details:
Exeter City XI: Whitworth (GK), Niskanen, Sweeney (C), Fitzwater, Turns, Andrew, McMillan (Magennis 76’), Brierley, Cole (McDonald 90’), Higgins (Aitchison 45’), Wareham (Francis 89’)
Subs not used: Bycroft (GK), Yfeko, Oakes.
Yellow Card: Wareham 30’
Goal: Wareham 53’
Wigan Atheltic XI: Tickle (GK), Fox, Kerr (C), Aimson, L.Robinson (Carragher, 83’), Weir, Wright, M.Smith, Raphael, Murray, Asamoah JR 68’), Saydee (Mullin 90’)
Subs not used: Savin, Cooper, Hungbo, McManaman,
Yellow Card: Smith 63’
Goal: Wright 23’
Attendance: 6585 (286 away)