Exeter City dig in for hard-earned point as Grecians hold Mansfield to 0-0 draw

Exeter City produced a disciplined and determined display to earn a valuable point on the road as they held in-form Mansfield Town to a 0–0 draw, extending the hosts’ unbeaten run but frustrating their hopes of turning pressure into victory.

Facing a side who had not lost in eight matches, the Grecians showed composure and organisation throughout, with their defensive solidity matched by promising attacking moments in the first half.

Exeter started brightly and created the better early chances, with Timur Tutierov at the heart of much of their attacking play. The winger was denied in the 15th minute when his deflected effort forced debutant goalkeeper Harry Lewis into a sharp save low to his left.

Three minutes later, Tutierov again threatened, firing into the side-netting after being picked out by Ilmari Niskanen, before narrowly missing the far post in the 25th minute following good work from Jayden Wareham down the left.

City should have taken the lead shortly after when Will Evans wriggled past Johnly Yfeko and bore down on goal, but Joe Whitworth stood firm, producing an excellent save to keep the scores level.

Mansfield had their moments before the interval, with Rhys Oates heading just wide and Oliver Irow directing a low effort straight at Whitworth, but the Grecians went in at the break satisfied with their first-half display.

The second period saw Mansfield increase the pressure, but Exeter defended with grit and discipline. A dangerous Aaron Lewis free-kick in the 63rd minute was met by Cargill, whose header back across goal was turned against his own post by Pierce Sweeney, while Luke Bolton curled narrowly wide soon after.

In stoppage time, Stephen McLaughlin headed over from Victor Adeboyejo’s cross as the hosts pushed for a late winner, but City held firm to secure a deserved clean sheet.