Bycroft’s dramatic equaliser keeps Exeter’s survival hopes alive
Goalkeeper Jack Bycroft’s dramatic late equaliser against Stockport County on Saturday boosted Exeter City’s hopes of avoiding relegation from League One.
Exeter fans following football live scores would have feared the worst with Stockport leading 3-2 deep into stoppage time at St James’ Park.
Goals in either half by Reece Cole and Timur Tutierov had kept Exeter in the contest, before Bycroft powered home a superb header from Danny Andrew's corner to spark wild celebrations.
Taylor praises Bycroft’s contribution
Interim manager Matt Taylor has struggled to turn Exeter’s fortunes around, picking up just two points from his first eight games in charge.
However, a 3-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers followed by draws against Plymouth Argyle and Stockport have given City a fighting chance of avoiding the drop.
Taylor says he has focused heavily on the importance of set-pieces during training and was delighted to see Bycroft secure a valuable point for his team.
“Bycroft committed to it, committed to the run and had the belief that the ball might be there and the moment it was, he committed to the header – and it was an excellent header as well,” Taylor said.
“I am incredibly delighted with the end, it was very positive, but you will sense my frustration at that first half because we weren’t where we needed to be.
“That wasn’t us from the last few weeks of what we have tried to put out there and you have to give credit to the opposition, but we were soft with our physical movements, our duels and our willingness to take the game to Stockport.
“We chased it in that second half and it made a real difference in terms of the tactical aspect, but the intent of this group really grew off the back of Reece’s goal just before half-time.
“I was so frustrated with the goals we conceded, but what a moment to finish. I don’t think we have had a half like that for some time where we have created so many chances.”
Survival could spark a brighter future for Exeter
The result left Exeter 21st in the League one standings, two points behind AFC Wimbledon and three adrift of Leyton Orient.
City will have their sights firmly set on overhauling Wimbledon, who have lost six games on the spin and face two tough fixtures to end the season.
The Dons travel to Wigan Athletic this weekend, before hosting Huddersfield Town on the final day. Two defeats would open the door for Exeter to climb out of the bottom four.
Taylor’s side face Burton Albion (A) and Bradford City (H) in their final two games and a couple of points could be enough to stay up.
Burton are four points ahead of Exeter heading into this weekend’s game, so a draw would be enough for them to retain their League One status.
Bradford could have secured a place in the play-offs by the time they visit Exeter, which may influence their team selection on the final day.
Staying in League One would be a major boost for Exeter after a period where they have had to sell several key players to balance the books.
Further budget cuts will reportedly be required for the 2026/27 season, but staying in the third tier would boost the club’s annual turnover.
If Taylor can build on the momentum his team has generated over the past few games, Exeter fans may be able to look forward to a brighter future next term.
