Dickenson snatches draw for Exeter

Posted Sunday, March 01, 2020 by PA

Exeter were indebted to Brennan Dickenson as he struck late in the day to salvage a 1-1 draw against Crawley.

Crawley created a great early chance when Ashley Nadesan was left totally unmarked in the box, but Lewis Ward rushed off his line to make a brilliant save as the striker got his shot away.

Randell Williams curled a shot just wide of the far post and Ryan Bowman headed wide when unmarked at the near post as Exeter began to get on top.

However, Crawley went in front on 34 minutes when a simple through-ball exploited a huge hole in the Exeter defence and Nadesan made no mistake in lifting the ball over Ward and into the net.

Exeter responded with a long-range Pierce Sweeney shot that struck the post and Jake Taylor also headed against the woodwork early in the second half.

Ward made an outstanding save to deny Bez Lubala as Crawley threatened on the break, but Dickenson levelled on 82 minutes with a superb drilled shot across goal and into the corner from 18 yards from Williams’ pass.

Exeter pressed for a winner but with their best chance, Williams headed over the bar from close range.