Grecians suffer narrow loss at league leaders

A solitary goal and a worrying late incident were the key moments in a frustrating 1-0 defeat for Exeter City at league leaders Birmingham City.

Buoyed by the impressive FA Cup win over Oxford United and the subsequent draw handing them a plum home tie with Nottingham Forest, City returned to league duties with suspended manager Gary Caldwell forced to watch on from the stands.

Even with this unwanted, elevated view, Caldwell would have been satisfied with a solid opening from his side, restricting the Blues to few chances at a lively St Andrews.

The lack of rhythm in the game was working in Exeter’s favour and when Birmingham did pose a penalty-area question, the Grecians served up stubborn answers. An ideal 45 minutes at a high-flying host was sadly ruined by the only goal scored in first-half stoppage time, Ethan Laird finishing off a lovely cross from Alfie May.

Former City Academy star Jay Stansfield fizzed a delicious effort inches over for the Blues immediately after the restart and Exeter were being pegged back, prompting the introduction of Josh Magennis and debutant Joel Colwill.

Birmingham were gradually being forced back in terms of territory, although they retained a threat on the counter. The Grecians had plenty of possession but were unable to conjure up a gilt-edged chance to level the scores.

Football then took a backseat, as Vincent Harper suffered a worrying fall and was in clear distress. Both medical teams attended to the Exeter man, who left the field in a neck brace after ten minutes of intensive treatment.

It was a horrible moment that led to 14 minutes of stoppage time being played, a period in which Jack McMillan was shown a second yellow card to complete a frustrating afternoon for Exeter City.