Northampton 2-2 Exeter City 
8th April 1986
(The game was originally postponed on the 28th December 1985)

Report on WEDNESDAY, 9th APRIL,

PUNCH DRUNK CITY WOULDN'T LIE DOWN

Exeter City brought back a point from Northampton last night, proving that occasionally there are rewards for sheer determination in the harsh world of League football. Two goals down inside 10 minutes and punch drunk under a constant assault from the home attack that tore holes in their defence, City not only averted disaster but fired back bravely as soon as the first onslaught started to fade.

Hill had two shots cleared off the line in the opening three minutes, before Donald put Northampton one up in the 5th minute direct from a free kick. Three minutes later a fierce volley from Hill added a second goal and the home supporters looked set for a goal feast. Keith Viney made another goal line clearance, then Exeter gradually began to string a couple of moves together.

Martin Ling, oustanding for City, picked up a loose ball on the half hour and beat the advancing Gleasure to reduce the arrears. There was far more ebb and flow in the second half, but the City equaliser came courtesy of an own goal. Friar under no pressure wildly sliced a clearance past his own goalkeeper in the 77th minute. Northampton then made a desperate attempt to score a winning goal and Hill was unlucky to see his shot hit a post, but Exeter City hung on for a hard earned point.