Exeter City kicked their FA Cup campaign off strongly as Danny Andrew and Jayden Wareham netted to give the Grecians a 2-0 win away at Halifax Town.
Manager Gary Caldwell had selected a relatively strong team for the 295-mile trip to the Shay Stadium in an attempt to avoid an upset at the hands of their National League opposition. His choice was justified when within two minutes of kick-off Andrew was left unmarked at the Halifax back post, meeting a Reece Cole cross with a sublime volley to put Exeter 1-0 up.
The Shay managed to respond well, enjoying a period of good play that saw Grecians keeper Joe Whitworth called into action on a number of occasions to maintain Exeter’s lead. Will Harris provided the home side’s best chance to level when he beat Jack Fitzwater in the penalty area, only to see his shot excellently saved by a sprawling Whitworth.
Halifax’s promising period was short-lived however, as the Shaymen’s attacking chances couldn’t compensate for their disorder at the back. A mistake from centre back Jevon Mills allowed Ethan Brierley to fire towards goal, but goalkeeper Sam Johnson was merely a bystander as his save landed right at the feet of Wareham, who had no trouble putting the ball into the empty net just before half time. Wareham’s trademark backflip celebration was a fitting way to mark his second goal of the week and the doubling of the visitors’ lead.
When the two sides emerged after the break, the Shaymen experienced another spell of pressure; Jamie Cooke’s attempt from close range rattled the post and Owen Bray’s speculative effort from outside the box called Whitworth into action again.
Yet Exeter never really needed to get out of second gear, as Halifax’s efforts couldn’t provide a goal, and even in the game’s final minutes Owen Devonport headed the ball into the back of the net to give the hosts a glimmer of hope, only to watch the linesman’s flag go up to rule the goal out.
Caldwell spoke afterwards of being ‘really happy’ with his side’s performance, and how proud he was of his side for not underestimating their lower-league opposition. The Grecians will be hoping to have a run in the FA Cup akin to last seasons, where they reached the fourth round and lost only on penalties to then-Premier League high-flyers Nottingham Forest at a sold-out St James Park.
A home tie against Wycombe Wanderers awaits Exeter in the next round, but their attention in the immediate future will be on the hosting of Wigan Athletic back in the league at home on Saturday.
