Matt Taylor’s return to the dugout as interim manager of Exeter City ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Burton Albion at St James Park.
Burton made the brighter start, with Tyrese Shade flashing an early effort across the face of goal to signal the visitors’ intent. Exeter responded with the clearest opportunity of the opening period when Jayden Wareham, sent through by Jack Aitchison, scuffed his shot with only the goalkeeper to beat, the attempt blocked at the crucial moment.
The Grecians thought they had made the breakthrough after 35 minutes when Luca Woodhouse rifled the ball into the net, but celebrations were cut short by an offside flag. Burton continued to threaten on the counter-attack, and Timur Tutierov raced clear of the Exeter defence only to see his strike rebound off the upright.
Carlos Mendes Gomes then squandered a gilt-edged chance, firing the rebound wide from just four yards out with the goal at his mercy.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Mendes Gomes tested Collins early on, but his effort was comfortably saved. Tutierov once again had the ball in the net, only for Exeter to be denied by the assistant’s flag for a second time.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute. George Evans delivered a precise cross to the edge of the penalty area, where Udoka Godwin-Malife met it with a thunderous strike that flew past the unmoved Joe Whitworth to hand Burton the lead.
Exeter, however, refused to wilt on Taylor’s return. They found their equaliser 17 minutes from time when Wareham turned provider, sending over an inviting cross for substitute Josh Magennis to power home a commanding header from eight yards.
Despite late pressure from the hosts, neither side could find a winner, and the points were shared in a contest defined by fine margins and missed opportunities.
