Cox rescues home point for Exeter

Sub scores late to salvage a point against Northampton

If last Saturday's hammering at Charlton was the starkest reminder yet that Exeter City are right in the midst of a relegation battle, the visit of Northampton was the first of a series of real six-pointers as the Grecian's fight for their place in League One next season.

It was a game of very little quality, and Dara Costelloe’s goal just before half time seemed as though it would be enough for the Cobblers to get away with a crucial away win, before substitute Sonny Cox scored from close range with a couple of minutes to go, rescuing a vital draw.

The game nearly began in spectacular fashion, with Demetri Mitchell attempting a wonderfully athletic bicycle kick from an Alex Hartridge long-throw (the latter element being more fitting of a League One relegation six-pointer).

He made good contact but sent the ball just over Northampton keeper Lee Burge’s goal.

The first half was otherwise bland and almost entirely featureless, with both sides favoring a cautious approach and taking no unneeded risks. The result was a frankly boring first half in which head tennis in the middle of the pitch was the go-to. There were a few forays into each penalty area, with Whitworth and his opposite number Burges making a handful of routine saves between them, but little else of note.

That was until the visitors began to exert a little more offensive pressure, under which the Exeter backline buckled (far too quickly for a side with any intention of survival, it has to be said). It seems incredible that this same defensive unit held the likes of Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White at bay in the FA Cup just a few weeks ago.

After a couple of chances in quick succession, striker Costelloe found a little space in the box from a scuffed pass and had enough time to finish low and beyond Whitworth to give his side a precious lead.

City’s new centre back Angus MacDonald nearly responded immediately with a speculative volley from a tight angle, but Burges made an impressive save to preserve his side’s lead.

The first half picked up where the second left off in terms of negative, defensive football, only accentuated by the visitor’s apparent decision to see their one goal lead through for what would have been a massive away win. Sonny Cox had a chance to get City level minutes after coming on, getting onto a through ball and in on goal.

A stronger striker, perhaps even Josh Magennis, may have been able to bring the ball forward and fashion a shooting chance, but being slighter than Northampton’s seasoned centre-backs Cox was shepherded wide and had to make do with winning a throw in. Ilmari Niskanen had a simmilar chance, but befell a simmilar fate, being forced away from goal. His hopeful cross did hit the hand of a Town defender, but the resulting penalty was turned down by referee Sam Mulhall.

But Cox’s moment did come with a few minutes to go. A bouncing ball was headed down by Alex Hartridge (whose homecoming has been perhaps the only positive for City fans in recent weeks), and was met by Cox, who volleyed the ball between Burges legs to equalise.

Whilst the late goal will feel like a win for the Grecian faithful, the performance was still far from good enough, and there is much work to do to secure survival, which is more at risk than it has ever seemed throughout their time in League One. It will certainly take a drastic improvement, especially defensively, as well as a few more lucky winners like today’s to see them through.