Exeter City rescue late point in lively second half against Forest

IN a game of two halves, Exeter City were held in an exciting encounter between them and Forest Green Rovers. City and Forest traded chances in the first half, with neither side able to make anything of the pressure they had put on the other.

It took until the 31st minute for City to have a meaningful chance, with Josh Key’s shot going wide. Forest similarly failed to take an opportunity from a free kick in the 33rd minute with Brandon Cooper’s header going just wide. City’s last memorable act of the half came from Jack Sparkes with his shot also going wide.

Forest started the second half the better team with the Green Devils dominating possession and taking advantage of indiscipline from City. Their pressure paid off in the 55th minute with debutant Jordon Garrick tapping in a cross from Jamie Robson.

Sensing the need for energy from City, manager Caldwell immediately made substitutions, taking Archie Collins and Sparkes off and bringing on Jevani Brown and debutant Joe White. The substitutions had an instant impact, with a chance for Jay Stansfield just going over the crossbar. With renewed desire from City, the pressure built and finally paid off with incredible strike from Brown who buried the ball in the back of Rovers’ net.

Despite a late rally from City and chances left begging from Harry Kite and Josh Key, the score remained 1-1 at the final whistle.