Exeter City were held to a 0-0 draw away from home against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park in Sky Bet League Two.
by Ben Strange 

Pierce Sweeney had the Grecians' best chance when his penalty was well saved by James McKeown, and City had a number of chances to win the match, but were unable to find that all-important goal.

Manager Matt Taylor named the same side that started the 2-0 win over Swindon Town last weekend, as the Grecians faced the first of two long away trips within a week.

City’s first chance of the match fell in the eighth minute when Jonathan Forte did well to latch onto a ball over the top from Nicky Law down the left. The forward then crossed to the far post, but Lee Holmes was unable to keep his header on target.

Shortly after, the home side had their first attempt when a corner was cleared to Luke Hendrie who shot over from the edge of the box.

For much of the opening 20 minutes, it was Town who dominated a lot of the possession, but credit to the Grecians who defended well from a number of deep Grimsby crosses.

Charles Vernam then had an excellent chance to put Grimsby ahead when he latched onto a clever ball through the middle before controlling well and shooting low against the post before the ball rolled across the six-yard box as the City defenders managed to clear.

After riding out some considerable pressure, the Grecians were presented with a golden chance on 35 minutes when Law got in down the left before teeing up Forte to fire low just past the post, as the sides went into the break level.

The Grecians almost made the perfect start to the second half when Hiram Boateng found Dean Moxey out wide, before the left back crossed for Forte to volley against the near post, as City started the second period well.

Another chance would fall on 55 minutes when Holmes held the ball up well before laying it back to Sweeney, who then fed the ball to Boateng, whose shot was well saved by James McKeown.

On 57 minutes City were awarded a penalty after Forte was brought down in the Grimsby area. Sweeney stepped up to take the spot kick, but credit to McKeown, who again saved well down to his left.

Chances continued to fall seconds after the penalty miss with Sweeney seeing a header at the back-post edge just over, before Law’s effort nestled the wrong side of the far post.

Jordan Cook then had a good chance for the home side when Town worked it well on the edge of the City box before the ball fell to the substitute, but his effort was well over Christy Pym’s goal.

More good play followed for Matt Taylor’s side though, with Law’s cross into Stockley saw the striker improvise before backheeling the ball towards goal, but for a good defensive block as the home side cleared.

As the half wore on City looked to put themselves ahead but were frustrated by the home side who gave very little away in terms of chances.

Jake Taylor then had his head in his hands after good play with Stockley, who returned the ball to him, and with just McKeown to beat the City captain fired over from close range, as the away side were made to settle for a point on the road.

Grimsby Town: McKeown, Hendrie, Whitmore, Collins, Hall-Johnson, Embleton (Hessenthaler, 72), Rose, Clifton, Hooper, Thomas (A. Rose, 88), Vernam (Cook, 62)

Subs not used: Russell, Welsh, Famewo, Pringle,

Booked:

Exeter City: Pym, Sweeney, A. Martin, Law, Holmes (Tillson, 82), Stockley, Forte (L. Martin, 70), Moxey, Croll, Taylor, Boateng (Abrahams, 88)

Subs not used: Hamon, O’Shea, Jay, Woodman

Booked: Boateng

Attendance: 4,038 (Inc, 130, away)