City's disappointing defeat

Only one shot on target

In front of a packed St James Park, Exeter City missed the chance to climb the table when hosting second-placed Ipswich.

The sun shone, and both sets of fans sang ahead of the midday kick-off for the second Sky Sports broadcast of the season for the home-side. 

The first 10 minutes painted a narrative for the game, with immediate pressure from Ipswich who failed to capatalize on their early chances.

Exeter goalkeeper Jamal Blackman made an excellent double save to thwart a big chance from Ipswich attacker Freddie Lapado in what was  the biggest chance of the first half.

Ipswich's constant pressure took advantage of City's weaknesses to secure the opener as the ball was headed across the area for Lapado to place it into the bottom corner. It was all too easy.

Grecians defender Alex Hartridge had Exeter City’s biggest chance of the first half with a near-post volley turned around the post by Ipswich's keeper.

The game settled down for both teams after the goal but Ipswich maintained more possession and set the tempo of the match. Exeter just couldn’t find a way through their defence and went into half-time on the back foot at one-nil down.

The second half followed the same Ipswich-dominated story, but Blackman enjoyed a great second half, making two superb stops within minutes. He brought a glimmer of hope - at least initially. 

Theoptimism was short lived, as he was beaten for a second time after shocking Exeter defence allowed Ipswich an easy header - and goal - from a corner.

The home side seemed quite lifeless during the final stages of the game, with a debatable penalty denied by the referee.

Tim Dieng blasted a shot over the bar, summarising a poor team performance overall with only one shot on target - from defender Alex Hartridge.  - throughout the game.

Final score: Exeter City 0 Ipswich Town 2