Grecians recover to beat Rovers on Boxing Day

Exeter City fought back from a goal down to overpower Bristol Rovers 3-1 in an entertaining Westcountry derby at St James Park.

The Grecians created multiple chances in the first period and must have feared the worst when that profligacy was punished by an opener from Promise Omochere on the hour.

To their immense credit, City quickly regrouped and got the goal their enterprising play deserved when Jack Fitzwater notched a thumping header from an Ed Francis corner. Momentum was now fully behind the home side and Millenic Alli grabbed the lead with an assured finish on 78 minutes.

A superb save from Joe Whitworth preserved the Exeter lead and there was late gloss to the win with a first professional goal for teenager Jake Richards.

City manager Gary Caldwell told the club website: "That was not the kind of game we wanted, as we should have been leading at half-time. We created some great chances. Then in the second half it was like a basketball game which didn't suit us.

"The character and the personality, to go a goal down, twice in a week and score five goals, it's incredible for them and they deserve a lot of credit.

"It's been a hard week and we're depleted, but I'm delighted for the players. We keep saying it's a group full of personality. All the finishers were superb. The squad is needed, especially over this period, and they all added something to the team."