City back to winning ways

First Stansfield home goal

On the back of losing three consecutive games and conceding 12 goals, Exeter hosted Fleetwood town in the 15th game in the League One campaign. 

Caretaker manager Kevin Nicholson made two changes from the last league loss against Oxford United with Cheick Diabete replacing Pierce Sweeny and Harry Kite in for Rekeem Harper.

With the absence of Matt Jay and Sweeney, Archie Collings took the captain's armband in miserable conditions as they sky turned grey and rain  poured over St James Park.

From the start, Fleetwood piled on pressure, but Exeter's Chieck Diabete almost put the Grecians in the lead.

Fans were not happy with a lot of the referee's decisions; one a questionable free kick to Fleetwood which went wide.

The game was pretty even as both teams made good chances, but Fleetwood’s Carlos Mendes Gomes's long kick took a big deflection wrong footing Jamal Blackman to put the visitors in the lead.

Exeter responded immediately as Jay Stansfield equalised, his first home goal since returning to the club on loan from Fulham, and the first time a Stansfield has scored at St James Park since 2010. 

He had another opportunity early in the second half, which forced a great save from Fleetwood keeper Jay Lynch.

In the 61st minute fans applauded a tribute to Plymouth Argyle fan and Radio Devon presenter Gordon Sparks, who died last week.

Through this period, Exeter looked the better team, but lacked the final ball and the confidence to shoot. 

Jay Stansfield made good runs and put pressure on Fleetwood, but was substituted for Matt Jay who took the armband from Archie Collins.

Sam Nombe's crucial second - and winning goal, came late, to the supporters' delight. 
 
Fleetwood couldn't respond in the event minutes of added time, bring Exeter back to their winning ways.

Full time: Exeter City 2 Fleetwood Town 1