Exeter City earn a valuable point at Oxford

Report: Oxford United 0 Exeter City 0

Exeter City and Oxford United played out an entertaining goalless draw at the Kassam Stadium, with veteran striker David Kitson sent off in stoppage time for the hosts. For the first time this season, Paul Tisdale named a completely unchanged line-up as the previous game. Following the win on Saturday against Scunthorpe, an identical matchday squad and starting XI were named for the Tuesday-night trip to the Kassam Stadium.

And a day that had been mild and fresh in Oxford turned violently thunderous just as the players were limbering up ahead of the 7.45pm start, meaning the Grecians kicked-off on a rain-sodden surface.

It was some time before either side had a noteworthy effort on goal, as the Grecians began with an adaptable, containing formation which nullified the U’s attack.

Sean Rigg was the first to register an effort with 20 minutes played – a 30-yard strike smacked of desperation and cleared the frame of the goal by a considerable distance.

It became clear that City were playing on the break when the Grecians went on their first collective foray with Alan Gow carrying the ball with runners either side. Jimmy Keohane fed Liam Sercombe on the right flank, and a teasing low ball allowed John O’Flynn to shoot from 12 yards – by Ryan Clarke spread himself well to foil the Irishman.

The home fans thought they had a route to goal when a ball pinged forward slipped its way into the path of James Constable – the striker was through but the flag was quickly raised, and correctly too.

City had a penalty shout turned away by the referee when Gow looked to be held in the box. Moments later, the U’s broke at the other end and Artur Krysiak had to readjust well to save from Sean Rigg, who shot across goal from wide left.

Scot Bennett was then called upon to deny Ryan Williams the chance to shoot from six yards after the midfielder had wriggled cleanly into the area, and then Rigg popped a shot away soon after from 25 yards and City’s stopper watched it wide.

Half-time: Oxford United 0 Exeter City 0