Exeter City Football Club secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bristol City in their final pre-season friendly at St James Park. The Grecians, who finished 21st in League One last season with 49 points (12W-13D-21L), showed resilience to hold the Championship side to a stalemate.
What happened in the match?
Bristol City took the lead in the first half through Reece Cole's stunning strike, but Exeter City equalized late in the game. Tomi Horvat's deflected shot in the 83rd minute ensured the Grecians avoided defeat, setting up an exciting finish to their pre-season preparations.
Why this result matters for Exeter City Football Club
The draw provides a confidence boost for Exeter City Football Club as they prepare for the new League One season. After a challenging 2025 campaign where they scored 52 goals and conceded 61, ending with a -9 goal difference, the team will look to improve defensively and build on this performance.
What comes next for Exeter City Football Club?
Exeter City Football Club will now shift their focus to the upcoming Carabao Cup first-round match against Walsall. The Grecians will aim to carry their pre-season form into competitive action as they seek to climb the League One table, currently 54 points behind leaders Lincoln.
