Grecians lose top of the table clash

Northampton end city’s 20 game unbeaten home run

Exeter City were unable bounce back from their FA Cup disappointment with another 2-1 defeat against promotion rivals Northampton Town.

The result, which drops City to fourth place in League Two, ends their impressive 20-game unbeaten home run.

League Two highflyers Northampton, unbeaten in their last three games, dominated the opening half and deservedly took the lead just after the hour mark. Jack Sowerby’s deflected shot inside a congested box found the back of the net.

Town’s Mitch Pinnock came agonisingly close to doubling the lead just before the break, but his effort inside the box was blasted inches over the bar.

Exeter, meanwhile, who, despite having 50% possession, failed to create one shot on target during a below-par first half. They trailed by one goal at the break.

Minutes into the second half, however, Exeter attacked with purpose and Padraig Amond headed home the equaliser. Josh Key created space with sublime footwork before firing a pinpoint accurate cross for Padraig to head home his 200^th career goal.

City continued to pile on the pressure as Jovani Brown stung the goalkeeper’s hands with a powerful shot just outside the box.

Despite taking control of the game, however, a free kick against the run of play gave the visitors a 2-1 lead. Pinnock poked home an in-swinging cross with less than 20 minutes to play.

Exeter had a glorious chance to equalise in additional time, but substitute Coley somehow missed the target from 2 yards out.

It finished: Exeter 1 Northampton 2