Thomas penalty earns Cheltenham point against play-off hopefuls Exeter

Posted Sunday, April 07, 2019 by PA

Conor Thomas’ second-half penalty rescued a 1-1 draw for Cheltenham at home to play-off chasing Exeter.

The away side, looking to bounce back from a heavy home defeat to Mansfield last time out, had taken the lead through Dean Moxey’s first-half strike.

But Thomas held his nerve to convert from the spot following a lengthy stoppage in play after Luke Varney was taken out by goalkeeper Christy Pym in the box. Varney had to be carried off.

There were few chances in the first period, but Kane Wilson’s cross was headed over by Exeter forward Ryan Bowman in the 33rd minute.

The visitors only had to wait three more minutes to take the lead, though, after Craig Woodman teed up Moxey for a shot into the bottom-right corner from 20 yards.

However, the Grecians were denied three valuable points towards their top-seven bid by Thomas’ sixth successful penalty of the season after an hour.

Cheltenham looked the more likely winners with Kevin Dawson’s volley tipped over by Pym and substitute Rakish Bingham twice going close.

But Scott Flinders had to save well at his near post to deny Bowman after a mistake from Will Boyle in the 84th minute.

Pym denied Bingham deep into stoppage time, but the Exeter number one was then sent off in the dying seconds for an off-the-ball shove on Billy Waters which earned him a second yellow.