Bristol Rovers 2 Exeter City 2.
Tuesday 14 December 2010.

Referee Danny McDermid

Attendance 3881 with 799 City fans.

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy (JPT)
Area Semi-final

Exeter City win 5-4 on penalties.

Game originally scheduled for 30 November 2010.

Freezing weather meant we'd played just one game since the 23rd November so it was ironic that City's late energy and verve that helped them come from behind and force a penalty shoot-outWill Hoskins' thumping effort gave Rovers the lead before Byron Anthony hacked the ball into his own net right in front of the travelling supportBut once again City lost their one goal advantage when Ben Swallow finished past Artur.

Harley, though, would have the final say with just a minute remaining. It was a typical Harley finish - he didn't rush and let the ball roll across him before making the perfect connection and celebrating with the delighted fans. Penalties awaited.

And after our first four penalty takers made no mistake from the spot Artur saved from Anthony and it was left to Duffy to fire City into the area semis.

BBC match report –

Exeter needed penalties to defeat Bristol Rovers in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Southern Area semi-final.

Will Hoskins netted from distance for the home side but Bryon Anthony sliced into his own net to restore parity.

Ben Swallow's side-footed shot gave Rovers the lead before Ryan Harley's close-range drive took it to penalties.

Anthony's misery continued as Artur Krysiak brilliantly saved his spot kick, leaving Grecians defender Richard Duffy to convert the decisive penalty.

Exeter will now play Brentford in the Southern Area final, as the Bees also relied on penalties to see off Charlton 3-1 in the shootout.

Exeter City first-team coach Rob Edwards told BBC Radio Devon: 

"It could have gone either way, but we're delighted to win it so it was really good.

"We needed a win tonight - the players needed a win as we were disappointed with the way that we played last Saturday.

"We've obviously got a chance of going to Wembley again now, we've been there a couple of times, and the players are very excited."