Exeter City drop out of play-off places after defeat

Exeter City slipped to a fourth successive defeat at the hands of promotion rivals Rotherham United, as the Millers prospered 4-1 at the New York Stadium.

The loss means the Grecians are now eigth in the table after Bradford beat Bristol Rovers by the same scoreline.

City had been trailing since the first minute as Ben Pringle drove forward on a quick break and lashed in an effort.

They were containing the Millers well and creating openings before two crazy minutes which saw Daniel Nardiello and Michael O’Connor put the hosts three up before the 30 minute mark.

Craig Morgan extended the lead with a shot from inside the six-yard box after the interval, and Danny Coles headed in a consolation late in the game.

The Grecians welcomed Jamie Cureton back to the starting XI for the fixture, leading the line alone.  Mark Molesley also returned to a starting berth with Jake Gosling not in the squad, and Anton Rodgers took a seat on the bench for Exeter for the very first time.

Amongst the starting line-up for the Millers were two former City players of last season in the shape of David Noble and Nardiello.

The Grecians were trailing almost as soon as the game kicked off as the ball was nicked away in midfield to allow Pringle the opportunity to surge goalwards.  With little better options than to shoot, the midfielder lashed in a left-footed strike from 25 yards which found the bottom corner of Artur Krysiak’s net.

Exeter settled well into the fixture despite the early setback – and despite Rotherham having a lot of the early possession, the Grecians were shepherding the play well.

Rotherham United: Shearer; Tonge, Morgan, Arnason, Skarz; Agard (Ainsworth 72), O'Connor (Frecklington 83), Noble, Pringle, Nardiello, Revell (Odejayi 77).
Subs (not used): Warrington, Rose, Ridehalgh, Rowe.
Goals: Pringle (1), Nardiello (28), O’Connor (30), Morgan (51).

Exeter City: Krysiak; Dawson (Keohane h-t), Baldwin, Coles, Woodman; Molesley (O’Flynn h-t), Doherty (Rodgers 71), Bennett, Davies; D'Ath; Cureton.
Subs (not used): Evans, Bauza, Reid, Moore-Taylor.
Goal: Coles (76).

Attendance: 6,703 (222 away).

Referee: S. Duncan

For the full match report go to: http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/?matchid=361...