Exeter City failed to score for the first time since February as they earned their first draw of the season away at Wigan Athletic, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
Chances were scarce throughout the 90 minutes, but City will be the happier after Joe Whitworth’s heroics in the final 10 minutes. His standout moment came with a superb diving save to tip former Grecian Will Aimson’s header away, securing a valuable point to return home with.
Only one change was made to the starting lineup from last weekend's 2-0 win against Stevenage at SJP, with Leicester loanee Amani Richards coming in for his first EFL start as Ed Francis dropped to the bench. Gary Caldwell also recalled Caleb Watts onto the bench, as Ben Purrington dropped out of the squad completely.
First half
The opening ten minutes passed quietly for both sides until City won the first corner, thanks to Richards' good work down the right. Kamari Doyle’s delivery was dangerous, forcing Wigan keeper Sam Tickle to punch the ball away just above Pierce Sweeney’s head at the back post.
Wigan’s high press almost caused problems for City in the 19th minute when a back pass put Joe Whitworth under pressure. His weak-footed clearance ricocheted off Johnly Yfeko, but Whitworth quickly recovered, rising above his marker to secure the ball.
Ten minutes later, City came close when the ball fell to Ilmari Niskanen following a corner. With space opening up in front of him, the Finn drove forward and unleashed a shot from 35 yards, but his effort narrowly cleared the bar.
That close call seemed to energize Wigan. After capitalizing on Yfeko’s loss of possession on the edge of City’s box, Jensen Weir played Silko Thomas through on the left. However, Whitworth came to the rescue, deflecting Thomas' shot over the bar.
City were forced into an early change eight minutes before halftime when Jack Aitchison was forced off after a heavy challenge, with Ed Francis coming on. As the weather alternated between rain and sunlight, chances remained scarce until the final moments of the half, when Weir unleashed a long-range shot for Wigan. Whitworth was once again up to the task, palming it away for a harmless corner.
Second half
The second half started slowly, much like the first. Five minutes in, a poor clearance from Will Aimson fell to Doyle 30 yards out. He played in Niskanen, but the Finn’s curling effort sailed over the bar.
City controlled possession but struggled to break through Wigan’s smart pressing, often resorting to ineffective long balls. Doyle had the next chance after Niskanen intercepted a pass, finding Magennis, who set up Doyle for a low shot that rolled wide of the post.
Substitutions livened up the game in the 76th minute when Wigan’s Callum McManaman, fresh off the bench, chipped a ball to the back post. It was headed across the six-yard box, but Sweeney cleared the danger.
Wigan gained momentum, and Whitworth was called into action several times to keep City in the game.
He made key saves from Dale Taylor and later, in stoppage time, pounced on a loose ball following a dangerous free-kick into the box. The final drama came when former City skipper Aimson sent a header goal wards that looked destined for the top corner, but Whitworth’s diving save ensured City held on for a well-earned point.
The Grecians are back in action at Leyton Orient on Tuesday night, before returning to St James Park next Saturday against Cambridge for the first half of the club's HerGameToo weekend. Get your tickets for all those games here.
Exeter City: Whitworth; McMillan, Sweeney (C), Crama, Yfeko, Niskanen; Woods, Doyle (Carayol, 70'), Aitchison (Francis, 37'), A. Richards (Alli, 46'); Magennis (Cox, 82').
Substitutes not used: MacDonald (GK), Fitzwater, Watts.
Yellow Card: A. Richards, McMillan.
Wigan Athletic: Tickle; Carragher, Aimson, Kerr (C), Chambers; Weir (S. Smith, 70'), M. Smith (Adeeko, 76'); Rankine (Olakigbe, 54'), Aasgaard, Thomas (McManaman, 76'); Hugill (Taylor, 54').
Substitutes not used: Watson (GK), Sibbick.
Attendance: 8837 (400 away)