City lose despite new signing's goal

Charlton's early goals too easily conceded

Exeter City hosted Charlton Athletic inf ront of a sell-out crowd, but it wasn’t to be their day.

Two goals down too early on, the Grecians suffered, and the fans were subdued. The first from right-winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, came after just eight minutes. Charlton celebrated with a tribute to16-year-old fan Ben Jay who passed away a year ago to the day. The display of a shirt to the Charlton fans led to a yellow card.

Left-winger Corey Blackett-Taylor didn't take too much longer to score Charlton's second. Exeter’s defence had been poor for both goals.

City manager Gary Caldwell changed his plan early, making the first substitute in the 26th minute when Jack Sparkes came off - clearly unhappy about it - for former Manchester United player Demitri Mitchell.

It worked. Mitchell scored shortly after.

After a poor passing display by both sets of players, the game could have gone either way. Exeter came close to equalising with many chances. The   best came ight at the death with a Harry Kite volley superbly saved by Charlton goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

In the final minutes, Exeter pressed high, with new signing Will Aimson the only outfield player at the back as they tried to get the equaliser. Nothing came of it. The last and greatest chance was when the ball fell to Exeter midfielder Harry Kite whose volley looked to be going in the side netting, but Charlton goalkeeper Maynard-Brewer's save gave Charlton all three points. 

This 2-1 loss leaves Exeter eleventh in the table, with Charlton nipping at their heels. City are now nine points behind promotion qualifications. A win may have kept play-off places in contention.

Now it looks unlikely.