Frustrating goalless draw for the Grecians

City held to back-to-back goalless draws

Exeter started the game much the better side and the first real chance came in the fifth minute as Ilmari Niskanen took a shot from just outside the box which flew just wide of the right post.

In the 16th minute Northampton had their first half chance of the game after a brief spell of possession as Tom Eaves leeched onto a loose ball in the box. Moments later Wareham nearly put the Grecians ahead as he caught his right foot on a pearl of a cross from Jack Aitchison which was blocked from close range.

As the half progressed, the Exeter pressure continued as an increasingly frustrated Northampton continued to be tested down the left-hand side with Timur Tutierov constantly causing the visitors backline problems. It was the Sunderland loanee who provided the standout moment of the half with a nutmeg before laying off the ball to Jake Doyle-Hayes which was hit into Elliot Moore’s outstretched leg.

A Brierley corner just before the break tested the Cobblers goal however after some pinball in the box it was eventually held by Fitzsimons. Kamari Swyer nearly caused his own team some bother as he flashed his clearance across his own goal line which Niskanen nearly caught onto.

Half time: Exeter City 0-0 Northampton Town

Exeter started the second half much the stronger side again with Aitchison creating the first chance of the half that was ultimately saved. Against the run of play, in the 52nd minute the visitors had the best chance of the game with Whitworth reaching to push the ball out of the Exeter goal with Eaves the Northampton striker skying the follow up over the bar.

This really opened the game up with City going down the other end soon after with Wareham squandering a one-on-one by putting his shot straight at the away goalkeeper. It was City’s striker again with a great close-range opportunity a few minutes later which was yet again put just wide, further frustrating the Grecians.

As the half ticked on it seemed increasingly likely that it would be another goalless draw for City and another game with many missed opportunities leaving the packed big bank restless. Cameron McGeehan slotted the ball past Whitworth in the 83rd minute which was prematurely celebrated by the travelling fans before being given for offside by the Linesman.

In the closing stages of the match, it was Northampton who had more of the ball and much the better chances which they couldn’t make the most of in the end.

Full time Exeter City 0-0 Northampton Town

Attendance: 6310 (315 away)