Exeter City snatch a point at home

JAMIE REID struck a last-gasp equaliser to deny Bristol Rovers all three points at St James Park.

A long-range effort from Stuart Sinclair had looked to secure a seventh away league win of the season for the visitors, but Reid’s strike in the fifth minute of stoppage-time ensured a share of the spoils for the Grecians. City made four changes to the team that beat Mansfield Town in mid-week, including a first league start since September for left-back Craig Woodman.

Following an end-to-end start, Bristol Rovers were responsible for the game’s first major chance. Full-back Lee Brown’s corner eventually found midfielder Stuart Sinclair, whose powerful drive forced a good save from Bobby Olejnik.

Olejnik was called in to action again shortly after. This time striker Rory Gaffney, a deadline-day loan signing from Cambridge United, tested the City keeper with a fierce strike having got in behind the Exeter backline.

Exeter responded with their first major chance of the game just before the half-hour mark. After Alex Nicholls was brought down by Lee Mansell, he stepped up to take the resultant free-kick to force his name-sake Lee in the Rovers goal to tip the ball around the post. Bristol Rovers began to take the ascendency, and nearly punished Exeter on the half-hour mark. Daniel Leadbitter’s cross found the lively Gaffney at the back-post, who proceeded to nod the ball narrowly wide of Olejnik’s goal. City centre-back Troy Brown took a hit to the face in the closing-stages of the half, however after receiving some attention he was deemed okay to continue, and the half-time score was 0-0.

HALF-TIME: EXETER CITY 0–0 BRISTOL ROVERS