Worrying run continues for Exeter City with fifth straight defeat

While the performances have not been too bad, results don’t lie in professional football, and Exeter City are in a severe September slump that has yielded five straight defeats in all competitions.

Welcoming high-flying Huddersfield Town to St James Park, the Grecians spurned a glorious chance to grab the lead when Josh Magennis steered wide from close range.

The Terriers’ punishment was swift and spectacular, on-loan Chelsea cutting in from the left before smashing a wonderful strike into the top corner just before the half-hour.

Huddersfield almost added a second through Alfie May but City also remained a threat, and were denied an equaliser when Jack Fitzwater nodded home after an initial Pierce Sweeney had struck the bar, only for the goal to be ruled out.

The Grecian spluttered in the second half, forcing one top from the visiting custodian after a terrific volley by Reece Cole, but Huddersfield held on for the three points. City’s next challenge is another tricky one, as they travel to third-placed Lincoln City on Saturday.