Josh Magennis scores hat-trick as Exeter edge past Barnet in FA Cup thriller

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2024 by PA

Exeter were given an almighty fright by National League side Barnet before two goals in added time secured a 5-3 win in a pulsating FA Cup encounter at St James Park.

City started well and went in front on 13 minutes through Josh Magennis, who went on to score a hat-trick, before Ryan Glover levelled for the Bees six minutes before half-time.

Barnet then went in front on 59 minutes through Zak Brunt, whose shot took a deflection before finding the bottom corner.

Exeter responded on 76 minutes, when substitute Demetri Mitchell was brought down by Danny Collinge and Magennis scored the resultant spot-kick, but the Bees were back in front two minutes later when Nicke Kabamba beat the offside trap and slipped the ball past Joe Whitworth and into the net.

Exeter were level on 85 minutes, though, Magennis completing his hat-trick with his second penalty after Ilmari Niskanen had been fouled in the box. And in the 96th minute, Jay Bird somehow managed to get the ball past Nick Hayes despite slipping as he was about to shoot.

As Barnet pushed for an equaliser the Grecians countered and, with Hayes in attack leaving an open goal, Kamari Doyle raced away and finished from 30 yards to put the seal on a classic.