Exeter City's attacking woes continue after Port Vale loss

Exeter City's attacking struggles hit a new low with a failure to register a single shot on target in their 1-0 defeat at Port Vale. The result on Saturday extends a worrying winless run to 13 matches across all competitions, a streak that began after their last victory on January 24.

Manager Matt Taylor was blunt in his assessment. "We all know what we're missing, so we have to be beyond perfect, absolutely on-point to create," he said. "I would love to have more options of players who can get us up the pitch and we need players who can carry the ball." The defeat leaves Exeter 20th in the standings with just five points from six games, a position that sharpens the focus on their lack of goals.

A chronic shortage of goals

The numbers paint a stark picture. Exeter have scored only four times in six league games this season, and just six goals in eight matches overall. Only Northampton Town and Port Vale have netted fewer in the division. Their tally of 17 shots on target is the second-lowest in the league, better only than Rochdale. Of the six goals scored, one was an own goal, another came from a goalkeeping error, three were from set pieces, and only one, Reece Cole's strike against Barnet, originated from open play. The team's overall stats show a concerning lack of attacking output.

Individual records highlight the problem. Centre-back Jack Fitzwater is the club's leading scorer with two goals. Striker Josh Gordon is yet to score in eight appearances, while loanee Ajay Matthews has not found the net in 12 senior games. Sonny Cox's last goal was 29 games ago, on August 9, 2025. Midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes has not scored since February 2022, and Charlie Cummins has never scored for the club. The full squad details show the scale of the challenge facing the manager.

Glimmers of hope and a key return

There were near-misses at Vale Park. Reece Cole saw a first-half curled effort go just wide and came close with a late free-kick. Danny Rose, who scored nine times last season, netted in the EFL Trophy win over Tottenham Hotspur U21s but that remains his only goal in seven appearances this term. A potential boost is the imminent return of Andrew Oluwabori. The 24-year-old winger, who offers direct pace and a one-on-one threat, is set to resume full training this week after a hamstring injury and could be available for the weekend.

Home form provides a foundation

The sole positive is a resilient home record. Exeter are unbeaten in four games at St James Park this season, conceding just one goal. That solidity will be tested in their next match. Their immediate focus turns to a home encounter with Tranmere Rovers, a side with just one win in 15 away games this season. After that, a league clash with Northampton Town awaits on January 9. The Grecians will hope the return of Oluwabori can spark the attacking improvement Taylor is demanding. The search for a consistent goalscorer remains the most pressing issue facing a squad that currently sits seven points adrift of the league leaders.

Background and full detail: Devon Live