Grecians exit Emirates FA Cup despite sprited second half display

Exeter City fell to a 3-2 defeat in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup against Blackpool.

Three first-half goals for the Tangerines gave the visitors what proved to be an unassailable lead at St James Park, despite a phenomenal effort from the Grecians in the second-half that left them a goal short of what would have been an incredible second-half comeback.

Matt Taylor made changes to last week’s starting XI in response to the sheer number of injuries the Grecians are struggling with at the moment, and fielded a very youthful bench to complement a side bereft of some key players.

City fell behind almost immediately after the start of play, as a switch of possession found John O’Sullivan on Blackpool’s right-hand side, with his cross nodded in at the back post by Joe Dodoo in what was a nightmare start for City.

They responded well, with two incisive forward passes to Jonathan Forte looking promising but for the linesman’s flag, before a deep cross by Pierce Sweeney was headed by Jayden Stockley into the path of Jordan Tillson, but his effort was mishit and flew wide.

City would go on to dominate the opening stages despite falling behind so early on; Jake Taylor’s cross after 10 minutes from the right-wing only narrowly evaded the efforts of both Stockley and Jonathan Forte.

It was the visitors who were creating the clearer chances, though, and a superb block from Luke Croll was all that prevented Dodoo from a clear shot on goal from the edge of the box.

City were denied an equaliser in the 15th minute as Tillson fed Forte a delicate through-ball, and the striker turned his man well, but Blackpool’s Mafoumbi made a great save to not just to deny the initial shot but to smother the loose ball quickly too.

City were punished for not taking their chances as Mark Cullen headed in from a corner with less than 20 minutes on the clock to double the deficit that City faced.

It got even worse for the Grecians with 24 minutes on the clock as Tillson was dispossessed, and a rapid transition from the visitors saw Dodoo’s shot turned in by Harry Pritchard, sliding in at the back post to give the Grecians a mountain to climb to get back into the game.

The Grecians had an opportunity to get back into it on the brink of half-time as Nicky Law’s corner was met by Luke Croll, but the defender’s header was deflected wide, and Blackpool were able to eventually clear and went into the interval with a comfortable lead.

Read the full match report here.