Grecians seal survival with superb away win

It was virtually in the bag anyway but a fine 2-1 victory at Barnsley has now surely confirmed Exeter City will be playing in Sky Bet League One next season.

Ryan Trevitt and Josh Magennis scored the Grecian goals and credit to everyone at the club for a stirring spring, which has steered them away from relegation concerns.

From the first whistle, City had a confidence and tempo in their play, Ed Turns meeting a corner with his head and Trevitt also lurking to poach an early goal. Barnsley replied with a Stephen Humphreys strike dragged wide of the post.

From the next meaningful attack, Exeter grabbed the lead. After peppering the home goal with a string of efforts, home custodian Kieren Flavell was finally beaten by Trevitt snaffling up the rebound.

The lively Humphreys warmed the hands of Joe Whitworth and a dangerous low cross from Fabio Jalo had the Grecians in brief peril before Jack McMillan cleared. The Grecians held on until the break, despite Barnsley squeezing the ball into the net, only for celebrations to be quelled by the referee’s whistle.

After a slow start to the second period, they Tykes levelled terms with a goal on the break from Humphreys, who probably deserved to be on the scoresheet for such a dynamic opening hour.

Barnsley naturally had some added momentum in their play and it needed a miraculous goal-line block from McMillan to retain parity. City boss Gary Caldwell had freshened up his troops with a string of subs, including Vincent Harper, who asked an early question with a lofted cross.

Back came Barnsley, Whitworth producing a fine save to deny Marc Roberts, and captain Magennis took full advantage of the reprieve by picking the pocket of a home defender and sliding City into a late lead.

Six minutes of stoppage time did not help City nerves but the Grecians held on, and it will by third tier football at SJP next season.