'No answers' as City lose to Rovers

Former manager Taylor returns to SJP

Exeter City hosted former boss Matt Taylor’s Bristol Rovers at a sell-out St James Park. Exeter had back-to-back wins coming into this match after beating Bristol Rovers and Barnsley. Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor used to play and manage City before departing the club for Rotherham mid-way through last season.

Despite winning in their previous clash two weeks ago, it wasn't Exeter's afternoon due to an early goal from Rovers’ player Aguilera. Exeter searched desperately for the three points but fell short. Exeter fans left disappointed; Bristol supporters never lost their voice.  

It was all Exeter in the first ten minutes, a few balls were played to City striker Sonny Cox and a few chances from their wing-back Ilmari Niskanen; nothing came from it.

Bristol Rovers broke the deadlock courtesy of their midfielder Brandon Aguilera who blasted it in the top corner past Exeter's keeper Viljami Sinasalo. The ball was blocked by the referee in the build-up causing some controversy. 

Exeter tried their best to respond to the early setback but just couldn't find any answers. City's Reece Cole turned his man very well before he found City left-wing back Vincent Harper on the run,  and hit the post. But Rovers stepped up a gear and Exeter became wasteful in possession.

At half-an-hour, Sinasalo pulled off an acrobatic save from Rovers midfielder Antony Evans to thwart Bristol Rovers from doubling their lead.  At the 39th minute, there was a minute of applause for Chris Lang, he was one of the first members of the trust who sadly passed away aged 39. 

Exeter went into the break behind. Although they had good chances, they lacked the answer in the final third. 

The second half started evenly poised, Exeter were the ones to have the first big chance, with their early effort drifting narrowly wide after a good break. This was followed by Sonny Cox one on one-on-one effort which forced a good save out of Rovers keeper Jed Ward. Exeter gradually gained momentum and was getting close to scoring. 

Exeter was searching for a late equaliser, but they just couldn't find any answers and this resulted in Bristol Rovers taking all three crucial points. Matt Taylors return to St James Park was a successful one for him but not for Exeter.  

Full-time score: Exeter 0, Bristol Rovers 1.