Grecians edge step closer to safety

Reece Cole rescued a deserved point for Exeter City at home to Ryan Lowe’s Wigan Athletic, a point that virtually confirms the Grecians will remain in Sky Bet League One next season.

Lowe enjoyed an excellent spell as boss down the road at City’s arch-rivals Plymouth Argyle but his return to Devon faced a tricky start, as City went close with lovely play from Josh Magennis setting up Joel Colwill, but the finish lacked the quality of the assist.

It was, in truth, a drab first period at St James Park, and a game that needed a spark, which arrived five minutes into the second half, when a scruffy challenge from Angus MacDonald resulted in a penalty for the visitors and Dale Taylor confidently slotted past home ‘keeper Joe Whitworth.

The Latics had a great chance to extend their lead but the effort from Maleace Asamoah was expertly saved by Whitworth, and City took full advantage of that reprieve, Cole scuttling the leveller on 69 minutes.

City are ten points clear of the relegation zone with five games to play Bristol Rovers away on Saturday. It is then Burton Albion (H), Crawley Town (A), Huddersfield Town (H) and a trip to Mansfield Town on the final day.