Exeter City beat Accrington 2-0 to secure first win

Early Dominance

Exeter City beat Accrington Stanley 2-0 at St James Park in a League Two match. Jack Fitzwater opened the scoring with an overhead kick in the first minute, and Seamus Conneely’s own goal doubled the lead. The win gives Exeter three points and a boost as they aim to return to League One.

Key Moments

Within 90 seconds, the Grecians took the lead. Charlie Cummins launched a long throw into the box; a red‑shirted defender headed the ball, and Fitzwater finished with an overhead kick that flew into the top corner. Just a few minutes later, Gwion Edwards’ volley was deflected by Conneely, looping over the goalkeeper and into the net as an own goal.

Exeter continued to dominate the first half. Edwards pulled a cross back that was half‑cleared to Reece Cole, who danced past two defenders before firing a shot that was cleared away. Edwards’ cross from the right was deflected by Conneely, creating the own goal. The Grecians were on top and wanted a third; Edwards had a shot deflected wide, and from a corner, Ed James rose highest but his header went over the bar. Cole’s free‑kick from 25 yards was parried by Louie Moulden, and a later attempt from the edge of the box by Gordon missed the post.

Squad Changes

Matt Taylor made two changes to the starting XI after a 1‑0 defeat at Grimsby Town. Gwion Edwards replaced Andrew Oluwabori in a wing‑back role, and Josh Gordon made a full debut in place of Taylor Perry, giving City a second striker from the start. Ethan Sutherland returned to the bench after a suspension.

Accrington had a more active second half, with Shaun Whalley slashing over from 15 yards and Charlie Caton firing into the danger zone. Donald Love’s 20‑yard effort was left in space after a well‑worked set piece. Josh Woods’ shot was inches wide of the goal, and John Doolan’s men were on top but did not force a clear save.

Aftermath

Exeter City will travel to York City next Saturday. The win is Exeter’s first in 22 games across all competitions and gives them a much‑needed boost as they look to secure a place in League One. Accrington Stanley, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a defeat that left them unable to break the stalemate.