Exeter City stunned as Rotherham run riot at St James Park

Exeter City suffered a sobering afternoon at St James Park as their formidable home record was emphatically ended by a ruthless Rotherham United side, who claimed a 4–0 victory despite spending long spells on the back foot.

The Grecians came into the contest having won their previous five home games without conceding and began in confident fashion. Jake Doyle-Hayes tested Cameron Dawson early on after meeting Ethan Brierley’s free-kick, while Jayden Wareham and Carlos Mendes Gomes both went close as Exeter looked to impose themselves.

Those early chances went begging, and City were made to pay when Rotherham struck against the run of play in the 28th minute. Joe Powell’s free-kick caused problems in the box and Jamal Baptiste was on hand to turn the ball home, giving the visitors an unexpected lead.

Exeter had further reason to feel frustrated when former Grecian Sam Nombe squandered a clear opening for the Millers, dragging his shot wide when clean through, offering a brief reprieve for the home side.

City emerged positively after the break, but the game began to slip away in a devastating five-minute spell. Joe Whitworth was forced into a smart save from Nombe early in the half, yet on 71 minutes Rotherham doubled their lead as Joe Rafferty smashed Nombe’s cut-back into the roof of the net.

Barely a minute later, defensive hesitancy proved costly again. Harry Gray was allowed space to cut inside and unleash a low drive from distance that beat Whitworth, leaving the Grecians reeling.

The visitors completed the scoring in the 75th minute, another swift counter-attack ending with Nombe crossing for Shaun McWilliams to tap in from close range, compounding a miserable afternoon for a shell-shocked Exeter defence that had been among the best in League One prior to kick-off.

For City, it was a harsh reminder of the fine margins at this level — dominance without cutting edge punished by a clinical opponent — as their proud home run came to an abrupt and bruising halt.

Devon rivals Plymouth Argyle also suffered a League One loss, going down 2-1 at Stockport, while a brace from Jordan Young lifted Torquay United to the top of the National League South following a 2-1 triumph at promotion rivals Hornchurch.