Exeter Lose In JPT Shootout

Exeter City were knocked out of the Johnstone`s Paint Trophy last night after losing in a penalty shootout to Swindon Town

Stuart Fleetwood had taken the match to penalties with a delightful chip over the keeper in stoppage time, but the Grecians lost 4-3 in the shootout in front of a crowd of just over 2000 at St. James Park.

Anthony McNamee had taken the lead for Swindon with a mishit shot which eluded Andy Marriot – who was making his first appearance for the first team for 18 months – in the Grecians goal. The home side were then denied by a couple of superb saves from Robins keeper Phil Smith, most notably from James Dunne.

However, Exeter scored a late equaliser for a second time in a week at home to Swindon to ensure a rare penalty shootout at St. James Park. But, ironically Fleetwood missed from the spot, and a miss from Neil Saunders condemned City to yet another early exit from a cup competition.

Despite being a big Exeter supporter, I surprised myself when I came to be not too disappointed with our exit. It is a chance of silverware, but we have been there and got the t-shirt with regards to the national stadium. As with previous seasons the league campaign is the priority, although I would like a little more progress in the FA Cup this year. Unlike this one, when I heard of last years defeat to Curzon Ashton I was fuming. However, coming up are two important away games, and if we can say pick up four points from those games, it will set us up very nicely for the next two home games against Wycombe and Brentford.