Exeter lose lead in extra time

Bristol Rovers equalise Matt Taylor considers new job

Exeter City hosted Bristol Rovers at a packed St James Park, with the visitors sitting in the relegation zone and Exeter hoping to make St James Park a “fortress.”

Exeter manager Matt Taylor made no changes from their win against Forest Green Rovers last week.

With the atmosphere electric, Bristol came out the fiercer side, lunging into tackles and battling for the ball.

Exeter played some nice passes, but afterJosh Key lost possession, Bristol made a good run of play.

Joey Barton's side took the first booking when Anthony Evans lost the ball to Jack Sparkes and committed a foul straight after.

Exeter looked good in attack but lacked that final pass. Josh Key, playing out of position because of a Sam Stubbs' injury, committed a silly foul. Lucky not to have been sent off, he received Exeter's first yellow card..

After a dull first half, scores were level. No goals.

Exeter looked livelier as the second half started, with Josh Key playing a long ball for Sam Nombe to chest it down to Jevani Brow, onward to Jay  Stansfield, whose touch lets him down.

After a number of Grecians' attacks, Bristol Rovers. John Marquis made it 0-1.

It took just another nine minutes for Jack Sparkes to be brought down in the box. Without hesitation, the referee pointed to the spot, leaving Bristol fans raging. The penalty was calmly taken by Jevani Brown.

Exeter took the lead after Sam Nombe found himself in front of an open net.

At 2-1, Exeter's lead looked dodgy as they kept losing balls in bad places, but as the 90-minutes, came up, Exeter's 2-1 lead remained intact. It didn't last.

In the second minute of stoppage time, Sylvester Jasper ran past Jake Caprice, crossing the ball to Ryan Loft to head home a Bristol equaliser.

After a mixed emotional game for both sets of fans, bad news for Exeter.

Manager Matt Taylor confirmed he could leave Exeter for Rotherham. He'll make a decision in the next few days.
 
Full time: Exeter city 2 Bristol Rovers 2