Accrington’s automatic promotion bid on hold after Exeter draw

Posted Sunday, April 15, 2018 by PA

Accrington Stanley’s automatic promotion bid is on hold after they were held to a 1-1 draw by fifth-placed Exeter.

Table-topping Stanley needed a win over the Grecians to secure promotion to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history – but a draw means all the focus is now on Tuesday’s home game with Yeovil.

Former Stanley loan player Jayden Stockley fired Exeter ahead after a cagey opening.

Matt Jay’s initial effort was saved and Stockley pounced on a loose ball in the area, finding the roof of the net midway through the first half with his 21st goal of the season.

They could have doubled their lead moments later but Aaron Chapman finger-tipped over a Jay volley, while promotion-hopefuls Exeter survived some pinball in their area with Billy Kee unable to connect.

Kayden Jackson equalised after 38 minutes with a solo goal, getting the ball on the edge of the area from Mark Hughes and driving it home for his 15th goal of the season.

Kee came close to adding to Stanley’s tally but his long-range effort went narrowly over the bar.

Accrington started the second half strongly with Jordan Clark’s 35-yard strike not far off, although – at the other end – Chapman had to be alert to keep out a Stockley strike with one hand.

Jake Taylor was also denied by the home keeper, Exeter’s Hiram Boateng saw his fierce effort deflected just wide while, at the other end, Christy Pym denied Jordan Clark as the two sides shared the spoils.