Exeter City fell to back-to-back defeats for the first time this season as they lost 3-1 away at Scunthorpe United.
by Simon Larkins 

The Grecians, who were beaten at Cambridge United on Saturday, fell behind in the first half to a wonder strike from Jamie Perch but got back into the match with another good goal from Matt Jay.

However, a poor second goal conceded, from City’s point of view, gave the hosts the advantage that they extended in the second half.

Matt Taylor made five changes from the side that lost to Cambridge United on Saturday, bringing in Jay, Ben Seymour, Dean Moxey, Archie Collins and Jayden Richardson into the starting XI.

City started the match brightly and had the first effort on target as Jack Sparkes bent a free kick towards the bottom corner, following a foul on Ryan Bowman, but Rory Watson saved for the hosts.

However, the hosts took the lead just after the 20-minute mark when James Perch found the top corner with a shot from 20 yards out.

The Grecians responded superbly though, by steadying themselves before getting back on terms five minutes later. This time it was Jay, scorer of two goals on his last start away at Newport, who found pin-point accuracy from outside of the area with a shot that nestled into the bottom corner.

Bowman then had a side-foot shot from eight yards well saved by Watson before the hosts nudged themselves ahead once more.

This time it was some indecisive defending that proved to be the cause of the goal as the Grecian failed to clear two crosses into their box with any real intent and when the ball landed at the feet of Jamie Ward he thrashed a shot into the roof of the net.

The Grecians were very much in the game at half-time though as Jay again brought a good save out of Watson with a free kick that dipped just under the Scunthorpe crossbar.

The Grecians also started the second half well with Jay hitting the side netting, following a low cross from Richardson, and Bowman hitting the outside of the post.

However, with the goal advantage, the hosts sat in and looked to hit City on the counter and could have extended their lead when Kevin van Veen fired over a good chance at the near post.

And then Maxted had to make a smart stop to deny Lee Novak. So the warning signs where there and when Scunthorpe got down the left with 15 minutes to go and crossed to the back post, substitute Gilliead headed home to seal the victory.

Scunthorpe: Watson, Lund, Songo’o, Colclough, Van Veen (Proctor, 72), Ward (Gilliead, 75), Perch, Novak (Sutton, 87), McArdle, McGahey, Brown. Subs not used: Eastwood, Butler, Slater, Eisa.

Booked: McGahey, Songo’o

Exeter City: Maxted, Atangana (Law, 64), A Martin, Bowman, Parkes, Jay, Richardson, Moxey, Sparkes (Williams, 68), Collins, Seymour (Taylor, 82). Subs not Used: Visser, Woodman, L Martin, Fisher.

Booked: Parkes

Attendance: 3,055 (156 Away)