Woodhouse wonder strike fires Exeter City to victory over Fleetwood
Celebrations for Exeter City after win over Fleetwood Town
Luca Woodhouse produced a moment of magic to cap another impressive October performance as Exeter City secured a 2-1 victory over Fleetwood Town in torrential conditions at St James Park.
The Grecians continued their excellent run of form with a fourth win and a draw from their five league matches this month, moving from the lower reaches of League Two to the fringes of the play-off places.
On a rain-soaked afternoon in Devon, Exeter showed attacking intent from the outset and created the better opportunities in a first half that ultimately ended goalless.
Their clearest opening arrived after just six minutes when Jack Taylor struck the post. The ball rebounded off Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch before spinning behind for a corner, with the visitors fortunate to escape an early setback.
Exeter maintained their pressure after the break and were rewarded in the 58th minute. Reece Cole delivered a corner into the danger area, where Charlie Cummins rose to head emphatically past Lynch and register his first league goal.
The advantage was short-lived, however, as Fleetwood responded just three minutes later. Ronan Coughlan turned home a free-kick from close range to bring the visitors level and threaten to derail Exeter's momentum.
But the Grecians had an immediate answer, and it proved to be the defining moment of the afternoon.
In the 64th minute, Woodhouse collected the opportunity to unleash a stunning effort from around 25 yards, curling the ball into the top corner and leaving Lynch with no chance. It was a strike worthy of deciding any contest and restored Exeter's lead in spectacular fashion.
With the home side back in front, there were further opportunities to make the closing stages more comfortable. Ethan Sutherland blazed a glorious chance high over the crossbar when well placed to put the result beyond doubt.
Fleetwood continued to search for a late equaliser, and Josh Robertson came close with the final opportunity of the match, drilling a long-range effort narrowly wide.
Exeter held firm to secure another valuable three points, extending a remarkable October run that is beginning to transform their League Two campaign.
With confidence growing and the play-off places coming into view, the Grecians will take considerable encouragement from a performance that combined attacking quality, resilience and a match-winning moment of individual brilliance from Woodhouse.