Wednesday 17 May 2017

ALL TO PLAY FOR THE GRECIANS IN SECOND LEG ENCOUNTER

It's all to play for Exeter City as they prepare to entertain Carlisle United in the second leg of their League Two Play-off semi-final at St James Park.

Two goals in the space of two minutes in the second half saw the Cumbrians peg the Grecians back as John O'Sullivan and Shaun Miller struck to wipe out City's two-goal cushion.

Jamaican international Joel Grant had given the Grecians the lead in the 15th minute before skipper Jordan Moore-Taylor turned the back into the back of his own net on 32 minutes, which enabled the hosts to level.

Ryan Harley and David Wheeler then struck in the 45th and 56th minutes to put City 3-1 in front, but O'Sullivan pulled one back for the Cumbrians in the 71st minutes and two minutes later Miller completed their comeback.

Ollie Watkins and Reuben Reid also had efforts disallowed and midfielder Jake Taylor hit the post in the dying minutes of the game. Carlisle also had claims for the penalty waved away as a cross from Nicky Adams appeared to hit the arm of Pierce Sweeney.

Carlisle, managed by former Torquay United player and manager Keith Curle, already have experience of beating the Grecians on their own turf after winning 3-2 at St James Park on the final day of the regular league campaign and they will no doubt be drawing inspiration from that result.

Both league games between the two sides produced ten goals, with the Cumbrians also winning 3-2 at Brunton Park, and City Director of Football Steve Perryman has called on the St James Park faithful to make positive noise during the game to help spur the team on.

It is City's first Play-off campaign as a Football League club and it has so far proved to be exciting and it could yet still end in glory.