The Grecians fall to defeat at Rodney Parade

Exeter City fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat away from home at Newport County AFC in Sky Bet League Two.

Jamille Matt's second half finish was the difference on the day where the Grecians went agonisingly close when Dara O'Shea's header was well saved and Ryan Bowman hit the crossbar.

Manager Matt Taylor made two changes to the side that began the goalless draw with Morecambe last weekend as Ryan Bowman made his first start for the club and Kane Wilson came into the side following his loan signing earlier in the week.

The first real chance of the match fell on eight minutes when Newport switched the ball to the right for Robbie Wilmott to cross dangerously, but Matt’s powerful header could only find Christy Pym who collected well

The Grecians’ first attempt came on 26 minutes when a deep free-kick from Nicky Law found Dara O’Shea, but despite his header going towards the far corner, Joe Day did well to claw the ball away from goal.

Both sides continued to trade half chances throughout the opening period, but City had a good opportunity on 40 minutes when Bowman teed up Law, but his left footed effort was well blocked for a corner.

Moments later Newport went close when Padraig Amond chested the ball into the path of Antoine Semenyo, but his first-time strike edged just over Pym’s goal as the sides went in level at the break.

For the full match report click HERE