Exeter in back-to-back losses

Fans pay tribute to queen

With visitors Burton Albion sitting bottom of League One, Exeter hoped for a return to winning ways after losing a 2-0 lead against Shrewsbury in the extra time in a midweek fixture.

Manager Matt Taylor made three changes with Alex Hartridge in for Jack Sparkes, captain Matt Jay in for Harry Kite and Jay Stansfield makeing his first Exeter start, wearing the number 9 shirt after his late father Adam Stanfield, in for Sam Nombe. 

Ahead of kick-off, St James Park fell silent for a minute's silence in remembrance of HM Queen Elizabeth II, followed by the national anthem. The players wore black armbands in tribute. The silence was perfectly honoured. God Save The King loudly sung (watch an extract by clicking the image on this story).

The game started steadily for both sides until after eight minutes when an Archie Collins curling effort went wide. Four minutes later Burton Albions Sam Hughes puts his body on the line to block a Rekeem Harper shot.

Albion began to dominate, being threatening in attack. Every time they got into the box, Exeter were lucky to escape without conceding. One Albion chance was blocked on the line, leading to a hand-ball appeal, in which the referee had no interest.

After a tense first half, Exeter were lucky to go in at 0-0.

Stern words should have be said in the changing rooms, and Matt Taylor made an immediate change, with Harry Kit replacing Jonathan Grounds.

The Grecians started to look more lively, attacking well, but nothing came right.

Burton finally broke the deadlock with Deji Oshilaja taking advantage of a poor Pierce Sweeney touch.

It only took Burton another six minutes to extend their lead after a Powell free kick was crossed to the back post. Keillor-Dunn slotted it home to double their lead it 2-0.

It was very poor defensively from Exeter.

Forward Jevani Brown made good runs up front, wing a free kick in a dangerous position, but nothing resulted and fans were left disappointed.

Exeter were missing Sam Stubbs and Timothee Dieng, both out injured, and it showed. They lost balls cheaply in bad positions and were lacking in those final moves. An Archie Collins effort was well saved by Burton keeper Garratt.

After a long 99 minute game, Exeter fans left disappointed.  The team’s performance was lacking. They drop to 15th in the table. Burton stay bottom. But they have the three points.

Full-time Exeter City 0 Burton Albion 2
 

Exeter City:
Manager: Matt Taylor
Starting XI: J. Blackman (GK), J. caprice, A. Hartridge, P. Sweeny, J. grounds, R. Harper, M. Jay ©, A. Collins, J. Stansfield, J. Key, J. Brown
Subs: S. Brown (GK), J. Sparkes, S. Nombe, H. Smith, K. Chauke, H. Kite, S. cox
 
Burton Albion:
Manager: Dino Maarmia
Starting XI: B. Garratt (GK), C. Borthwick-Jackson, J. Brayford ©, S. Hughes, T. Hamer, D. Oshilaja, T. Taylor, C. Gilligan, C. Keillor-Dunn, V. Adeboyejo, J. Powell
Subs: V. Sinisalo (GK), C. Butcher, T. Onyango, E. Thorpe, C. Lakin, S. Winnall, M. Carayol