An unfortunate own goal for Tristan Crama followed by a late penalty saw Exeter City go down 2-0 to Stockport County in a game hindered by challenging weather conditions.
After a goalless first half, County took control in the second, creating several chances before a stroke of misfortune broke the deadlock. Joe Whitworth got down well to save a shot, only for the rebound to deflect off Crama and into the net.
As the Grecians pushed forward in search of an equaliser, the hosts capitalised on the counter. With three minutes remaining, Louie Barry won and converted a penalty to seal the points for Stockport.
For this windy trip up to Greater Manchester, Gary Caldwell made four changes to his side following Tuesday night's draw with Wycombe. Pierce Sweeney recovered from his knock to return as captain, while Ryan Woods, back from suspension, was restored to the starting eleven. Josh Magennis moved to the bench, while Jake Richards and Kevin McDonald were omitted from the squad entirely. Demetri Mitchell and Reece Cole, both returning from injury, were named among the substitutes.
First half
In driving rain, Louie Barry showed his threat just three minutes in, cutting down City’s right after intercepting a loose pass. Sweeney closed him down, forcing the forward into a rushed shot that hit the side netting, momentarily tricking some home supporters into thinking it had gone in.
The hosts controlled much of the early possession as City took time to settle, but once the Grecians began to move the ball confidently on the ground, they began to make inroads. A clever pass from Caleb Watts forced Stockport into conceding a corner, which Sweeney headed narrowly wide.
The game’s first major opportunity came in the 20th minute for Stockport. Barry again broke free down the right, and this time, the Villa loanee drilled a low cross into the box. Kyle Wootton connected in the centre but failed to hit the target, shooting wide.
Two injuries to Stockport players forced lengthy delays midway through the first half, denying both teams the chance to build up any sort of rhythm.
Once the game restarted, Stockport again created an opportunity down City’s right. Crama’s pass out from the back was intercepted by Callum Camps and he teed up early substitute Ollie Norwood on the edge of the D, but his first-time effort as off-target.
A speculative effort by Jack Aitchison at the end of the half earned a corner, though it ultimately came to nothing as the first 45 concluded in a stop-start manner.
Second half
Play remained disjointed after the restart, with the challenging conditions continuing to hinder both sides. City suffered an early setback when Harper was forced off with an injury, prompting a tactical reshuffle. Magennis was introduced up front, while Millenic Alli moved out to the wing.
The home side began to build momentum around the hour mark and came close to breaking the deadlock. Lewis Bate collected the ball on the edge of the box and curled a precise shot towards goal, only to see it crash off the inside of the post before Crama cleared the danger.
City persisted with their attempts to play out from the back, but Barry was proving to be a formidable opponent through his press. The forward intercepted a pass from Crama intended for Jack McMillan, took a quick touch, and unleashed a shot, but Joe Whitworth reacted well to save low to his right.
However, there was little City’s keeper could do moments later as Stockport took the lead. Wootton latched onto a chipped ball to the back post and fired a shot, which Whitworth initially parried, only for the rebound to deflect off Crama and into the net.
Caldwell made a double substitution with 10 minutes remaining, and one of the fresh faces nearly made an instant impact. Kamari Doyle found space 30 yards from goal and unleashed a low, driven effort that whistled just wide of the post.
The hosts responded immediately and came close to doubling their lead. Louie Barry’s effort from the edge of the box struck the outside of the post, the second time Stockport had been denied by the woodwork.
As City pushed bodies forward in search of an equaliser, the game opened up, and Stockport sought to capitalize on the counterattack. With three minutes left, Barry led a break and was brought down by Crama inside the penalty area, leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty.
Barry stepped up and coolly converted, sending Whitworth the wrong way to secure the victory for the home side and condemn Exeter to a frustrating afternoon.
The Grecians are back at home this week with two games coming up, back the team to get back to winning ways and buy your tickets now!
Stockport County: Hinchliffe, Touray, Bate (C), Horsfall (Norwood, 33'), Camps (Olaofe, 90'), Collar (Diamond, 90'), Pye, Connolly, Mingi (Hughes, 59'), Wootton, Barry (Bailey, 90').
Substitutes not used: Addai (GK), Rydel.
Goal: Crama (OG) 68', Barry (pen) 89'
Exeter City: Whitworth, McMillan, Sweeney (C), Crama, Francis, Harper (Magennis, 54'), Woods (Doyle, 81'), Watts (Cole, 63'), Niskanen (Mitchell, 81'), Aitchison, Alli.
Substitutes not used: MacDonald (GK), Fitzwater, Cox.
Yellow cards: Harper 49', Watts 59', Woods 71', David Perkins 73'
Attendance: 9192