The Grecians won in League One for the first time since early November as they produced a stirring comeback to win 2-1 at Burton Albion.
Josh Magennis’ header on the stroke of half-time canceled out Billy Bodin's early free-kick, before Millenic Alli produced a moment of utter brilliance to seal a crucial win as City came from behind to claim all three points and send the Grecians home happy for Christmas!
Looking for a reaction from last Saturday's defeat against Barnsley, Gary Caldwell made two changes to his starting eleven. Pierce Sweeney dropped out of the squad injured, while Kevin McDonald was brought back into the team, partnering Ryan Woods for the first time. Demetri Mitchell made his first League One start since October 2023 while Jake Richards returned to the bench.
First half
After a tight opening spell, the game’s first shot on target brought the opener for Burton in the 8th minute. Kevin McDonald was penalised for handball on the edge of the penalty area, a decision that seemed harsh. Elliot Watt teed up Billy Bodin, whose low, driven strike nestled into the bottom corner.
Buoyed by that early breakthrough, the home crowd grew louder, and Joe Whitworth was called into action shortly after. Bodin’s curling corner threatened to creep in, but the young goalkeeper made a crucial save to keep it out.
City looked to settle and began to see more of the ball. A free-kick won by Jack Aitchison in a central position offered a chance to test the defense, but Millenic Alli’s chipped delivery drifted harmlessly beyond everyone.
Adding to the Grecians' early frustrations, Tristan Crama was forced off through injury, with Jack Fitzwater taking his place. Despite the setback, the Grecians pressed forward. Ilmari Niskanen came close to leveling with a glancing header that narrowly missed the post.
As the half wore on, Exeter began to carve out opportunities. In the 32nd minute, Aitchison drove forward from midfield and unleashed a shot from distance, forcing the keeper to parry. Alli pounced on the rebound but saw his cross into the box calmly gathered. Moments later, Ed Francis tried his luck from range, but his effort sailed over, landing on top of the away end.
Next, a teasing ball into the box from Alli crept all the way to the back post, where a sliding Niskanen met it but sent the ball the wrong side of the post.
City's persistence was rewarded though just before the half-time whistle. In the second of five added minutes, Millenic Alli carved out a half-yard of space on the right, and then delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Josh Magennis rose to meet it, powering a header past the keeper and sparking jubilation among the traveling fans and sending the two teams back into the changing room level.
Second half
The second half began with a vibrant atmosphere, as both sets of supporters urged their teams on. Ten minutes after the restart, Joe Whitworth earned loud praise from the traveling Grecian fans with an outstanding point-blank save.
Elliot Watt launched another long ball over the top, finding Billy Bodin, who fired a close-range effort on target. Whitworth, showing remarkable reflexes, parried the shot away to keep City level.
On the attack, City’s right side continued to shine, with Millenic Alli winning a free-kick just outside the box. While Ed Francis' initial low delivery was cleared, the ball eventually found half-time substitute Reece Cole, whose strike went wide.
Despite periods of strong possession, City struggled to truly test the Brewers’ goal until the 71st minute, when Alli produced the spectacular.
Receiving the ball 25 yards out in an inside-right channel, the forward cut inside and smashed a shot perfectly into the top corner, dipping before grazing the post and crossbar on its way in to send the Grecians in front with a Christmas cracker.
The game became scrappy after that goal, with the referee dishing out several yellow cards for 50/50 duals. Whitworth had to remain alert though, as a high ball into City’s penalty area almost crept over the line, but the keeper did well under Brewers pressure to keep it out.
The home side had nothing to lose and so proceeded to throw everything at City in added time, and McMillan did well to stab a ball out that looked destined for Danlio Orsi to tap home. A yellow head met the resulting corner, but Whitworth got down well to hold.
City held out the final few minutes before the referee then blew for full-time. Three points just in time for Christmas, Santa's come early!
The Grecians will return to action after Chistmas Day, as we welcome Bristol Rovers to St James Park for a Westcountry Boxing Day derby. That game is sold out, but tickets still remain for the visit of Crawley Town on December 29th, so get yours now!
Burton Albion: Crocombe, Godwin-Malife, Watt (C) (Cooper-Love, 90+1), Sweeney, Kalinauskas (Williams, 73'), Bodin (Orsi, 73'), Vancooten, Sraha, Gilligan (Webster, 84'), Bennett (Whitfield, 73'), Chauke.
Substitutes not used: Isted (GK), Webster, Armer.
Goal: Bodin 8'
Yellow card: Chauke 20'
Exeter City: Whitworth, Niskanen, McMillan, Crama (Fitzwater, 25'), Francis, Mitchell (Doyle, 67'), Woods (Watts, 90+3'), McDonald (J. Richards, 67'), Aitchison (Cole, 45'), Alli, Magennis (C).
Substitutes not used: MacDonald (GK), Harper.
Goals: Magennis 45+2', Alli 71'
Yellow card: Woods 13', McDonald 43', Alli 80', J. Richards 84'
Attendance: 2690 (away TBC)