Grecians back to winning ways

City 2 Accrington Stanley 0

Exeter City returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Accrington Stanley at St James Park in Sky Bet League Two.

Goals either side of half time from Hiram Boateng and Pierce Sweeney were enough for the Grecians to take victory over a battling Accrington side.

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Paul Tisdale made three changes to his starting XI as the Grecians looked to get back on track following the defeat away to Crawley Town in midweek. Kane Wilson, Liam McAlinden and Jayden Stockley all came into the side in place of Craig Woodman, Kyle Edwards and Reuben Reid.

City’s first effort at goal came inside four minutes after Jake Taylor had an effort from distance blocked well by Ben Richards. After good hold-up play from Liam McAlinden, Taylor found space and shot on target but for the interception from the Accrington defender.

Soon after, the City midfielder had his second attempt at goal after a knock down from McAlinden from Hiram Boateng’s cross on the left saw Taylor shoot over.

Another chance came seconds later when McAlinden latched onto a long throw to find himself with just Accrington keeper, Aaron Chapman, to beat from a tight angle but the City number 19 could only shoot wide.

Taylor then had his third and his closest attempt on 19 minutes when he received the ball at the back post following a deep free-kick and fired against the crossbar.

For much of the half the away side were reduced to only a couple of chances at Christy Pym’s goal. Sean McConville saw his free-kick edge just over, before Kayden Jackson saw his header from close range well saved by the City keeper.

A succession of free-kicks for the away side almost ended in John Coleman’s team taking the lead on 39 minutes when Mallik Wilks saw his effort go just wide after good pressure from the onrushing City defence.

City captain, Jordan Moore-Taylor, then did excellently to drive the Grecians up field before his curling cross skimmed the head of McAlinden who couldn’t steer his effort towards goal.

A late flurry in the last few minutes of the half saw the Grecians go close and finally take a deserved lead when Boateng rifled home.

Initial good play from McAlinden eventually saw Stockley in a good position to pull the ball back centrally with Boateng timing his run perfectly before he side-footed home into the top corner.

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