Exeter City Football Club secured a 1-1 draw against Bristol City on 27 July 2026, with Tomi Horvat's late deflected strike equalising Reece Cole's opening goal. The friendly at St James Park marked the end of Bristol City's pre‑season schedule and offered a glimpse of Exeter's defensive resilience.
How did the match unfold?
The Grecians opened the scoring just before halftime when Reece Cole unleashed a powerful right‑footed shot from about 30 yards, beating goalkeeper Brad Collins to give Exeter a 1-0 lead. Bristol City responded in the 83rd minute; Horvat's effort, after a heavy deflection on the edge of the Exeter box, looped over the line to restore parity. Both sides made several changes at halftime, with Exeter fielding a backline of Marley Thelwell, Rob Atkinson, Noah Eile and Seb Naylor, while Bristol City introduced trialist Elijah Adebayo alongside Jed Wallace and Sam Bell.
Who stood out for Exeter City Football Club?
Brad Collins, the former Coventry keeper, impressed early, making a low save from Jayden Wareham and later denying a follow‑up volley, keeping Exeter's lead intact for much of the game. Midfielder Reece Cole's long‑range strike showcased his shooting ability, while the defensive unit held firm under sustained pressure in the second half. The team's organized shape limited Bristol City's chances despite their dominance in possession.
What does this mean for Exeter City Football Club?
The friendly result offers a morale boost ahead of the new season, where Exeter will aim to improve on their 2025 league standing of 21st in League One with 48 points. With 50 goals scored and 58 conceded last season, the club seeks to tighten its defence and add firepower. The performance also provides manager Matt Taylor with insights on squad depth, especially the impact of trialist Elijah Adebayo and the readiness of younger players like Sam Bell.
What lies ahead?
Exeter City Football Club now turns its focus to the Carabao Cup first round, hosting Walsall at the Recreation Ground on 1 August 2026. The team will look to build on the confidence gained from the draw, fine‑tune tactics, and integrate the promising talents displayed against Bristol City. Fans will be watching closely as the Grecians aim to climb the league table and avoid another season near the relegation zone.
