Exeter City promoted to League One

The first time in the third tier in 10 years

Exeter City went into their game against Barrow knowing a win would secure automatic promotion back to Sky Bet League One, the third tier of English football. Goals from Kieran Phillips and Matt Jay saw them overturn a 1-0 deficit against Barrow and win 2-1 in front of a bouncing St James Park. 

City manager Matt Taylor made three changes from the 2-0 success over Rochdale on Saturday, with Jonathan Grounds being replaced by fan favourite Sam Stubbs, Jake Caprice made way for Jack Sparkes and Offrande Zanzala withdrew for on-loan forward Kieran Phillips. 
Exeter started the game strongly, it was a cagey opening 10 minutes with City playing the ball in behind the Barrow defenders, asking questions of them and forcing throw ins and corners. 

This strong start gained territory and allowed the more creative players in red to work their magic and the first example of this came when Josh Key played a 1-2 with Jevani Brown, the former cut it back to Archie Collins who drew a simple save from Paul Farman from range. 

Barrow withstood this early pressure and against the run of play took the lead in the 11th minute with what can only be described as a totally bizarre goal. A long throw down the left-hand side from Remeao Hutton evaded everybody in the box, came off the inside of the post and appeared to rebound into the net off Cameron Dawson’s shoulder, a moment of real misfortune for the Sheffield Wednesday loanee. 

Fans gathered on the pitch after the match to celebrate the Grecians' promotion to League One (courtesy: Matthew Cousins).

City started to regain control, A long ball from Cheick Diabate found Matt Jay who controlled well and pulled back for Tim Dieng whose shot from 18 yards deflected over for a corner. This led to an opportunity for Jack Sparkes, he let off a venomous volley which was blocked. 

Exeter were really starting to turn the screw and managed to create their best chance of the game so far in the 25th minute. Collins slipped a clever pass through to Jevani Brown, his improvised flick found Phillips who’s left footed shot from close range flew off the crossbar and deep into the rocking big bank. 

Pierce Sweeney was the first in referee Lee Swabey’s book for a reckless swipe on a Barrow player near the halfway line. 

City’s tenacity was rewarded in the 35th minute when Matt Jay found Phillips just behind the halfway line, he gained control of the ball and began bearing down on goal, He reached the 18-yard box and fired a shot low off the leg of a Barrow defender, which allowed the ball to trickle agonizingly past Farman at the near post.  

At half time, it was Exeter 1, Barrow 1.

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first. Both teams playing the ball in the air, asking questions of each other’s defence. 

There were no clear-cut chances in the preliminary stages of the final 45, but Barrow keeper Paul Farman had a scary moment when he fumbled at a loopy ball from the right-hand side but fortunately for him, he held at the second time of asking. 

Barrow full-back Connor Brown saw yellow from the referee for a late tackle on Sparkes. It allowed City a good opportunity to deliver from the left. Collins and Sparkes stood over it, the latter crossed it with pace, it was cleared by a blue head but only as far as the edge of the box, where Key's shot fell at Jevani Brown’s feet. He found Sweeney but his cross went behind for a goal kick. 

The game sprung into life. Matt Jay hit a menacing dipping shot from around 20 yards, Farman was equal to it. Seconds later, Barrow launched a counter-attack and within a matter of moments Hutton was bearing down on goal and only a great save from Cameron Dawson prevented the lively winger from reinstating Barrow’s lead. 

Josh Key was proving to be a thorn in the backline of Barrow. In the 79th minute, he swung a teasing delivery towards the back stick, it skimmed over the head of Connor Brown and reached Exeter’s captain Jay. St James Park froze as Jay controlled, swivelled, and fired low excellently past Farman. 2-1. The big bank was a wave of noise and elation as the supporters realised that the club, they love was about to secure promotion to Sky Bet League One.  

10 minutes of normal time and 5 of stoppage proceeded these scenes. Could this incredible group of players hold on? Of course they could. The referee blew full-time, and thousands of City fans spilled onto the pitch to celebrate with the players and management. This would be a night which goes down in Exeter City Football Club history. 

The game ended Exeter 2, Barrow 1.

Watch post-match clips with manager Matt Taylor and club president Julian Tagg by clicking on the scoreline image.