Exeter City 2 Northampton 2: Unlucky Grecians denied at the death after Taylor and Stockley goals

Comprehensive coverage of the League Two clash

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Stuart JamesPrint Sports Editor

Updated18:25, 17 NOV 2018

Andy Williams struck a 90th minute equaliser as Northampton Town twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Exeter City.

The Grecians made a good start to the game and got the opening goal on 16 minutes when Jake Taylor latched onto a pass from Lee Holmes and smashed the ball past David Cornell from ten yards.

The lead did not last long, however, as Northampton hit back to level on 26 minutes. Sam Hoskins led an incisive counter-attack and saw his shot saved by Christy Pym, but as Exeter cleared another effort off the line, the ball ricocheted off Billy Waters and ended up in the net.

Holmes drilled a low shot wide as Exeter got back on top and they went back in front just before half-time, although there was some debate as to who got the goal.

Craig Woodman’s cross was headed goalwards by Jayden Stockley and after the ball cannoned off the inside of the post, it wasn’t clear if it had crossed the line or not. Nicky Law was on hand anyway to smash the ball into the net to make it 2-1.

Exeter had chances to kill the game off and paid the price for not doing so when a corner in stoppage time was headed into the net by Williams

18:25

That's it from me...

Thanks for joining me on the blog, a frustrating day... and Sweenz sums up the feelings of every Grecians right now.

Goodnight!

Pierce Sweeney of Exeter City shows his frustration after Andy Williams of Northampton Town scores to level the match during the EFL Sky Bet League Two match between Exeter City and Northampton Town at St James Park, Exeter, Devon on November 17. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

18:24

Ratings

This is how we rated the Grecians this afternoon...

Goal celebrations for Jayden Stockley of Exeter City during the EFL Sky Bet League Two match between Exeter City and Northampton Town at St James Park, Exeter, Devon on November 17. - PHOTO: Cameron Geran/PPAUK

18:24

Rate the players

Exeter City

Northampton

League Two, November 17, 2018

Christy Pym
0
Pierce Sweeney
0
Aaron Martin
0
Dara O'Shea
0
Craig Woodman
0
Lee Holmes
0
Jake Taylor
0
Jordan Tillson
0
Nicky Law
0
Tristan Abrahams
0
Jayden Stockley
0
Substitutes
Jonathan Forte
0
Chiedozie Ogbene
0
Submission / Results

18:15

Northampton reaction

Northampton boss Keith Curle:

It was another battling performance, good attention to detail and the set-piece earned us a point. I was disappointed with the two goals in the first half, we looked a little bit tentative how we started the game and there was a lack of aggression. I thought we were half a yard short getting in some of the challenges.
In the second half we were more aggressive, we had better movement up front, we retained possession and we put the ball into better areas. In the first half the difference between the two sides was their centre forward. He retained possession well, brought people into play well and was a focal point for their attack.
We were growing in belief and we finished the game as the more aggressive team. We need to start games on the front foot and be more dominant.”

18:05

Match reaction from Jayden Stockley

17:56KEY EVENT

Matt Taylor reaction

Exeter City manager matt Taylor on today’s draw:

I thought it was a good game of football and I was pleased with our performance. For large parts today, we were where we needed to be in terms of our performance levels and the commitment and quality we showed.
It’s a real kick in the teeth to concede a set piece so late in the game but they put bodies forward and had bodies in the box. Generally, we defended well in that second period and it might even have been an own goal which makes it even worse, but fair play to Northampton.

We had opportunities. On another day, Jayden whacks that in when he had a chance and we go 3-1 up and it’s game over.
I am slightly disappointed with the goal in the first half, we were well on top at that point and should really have gone in at 2-0. But we showed good character to bounce back when they did score and we managed to score again.
Things aren’t quite going our way at the moment, but I was delighted with the performance and if we play like that every week, we will win far more games than we lose.