Exeter City goalkeeper Jack Bycroft delivered a stunning equalizer deep into stoppage time, earning his team a crucial point in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Stockport, who are vying for a playoff spot in League One.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper made a remarkable run into the box and powered home a header from Danny Andrew’s corner, reigniting Exeter’s hopes of survival and celebrating with Cardiff, who secured promotion due to Stockport’s lost points.
“I’ve often spoken about our set pieces, but Bycroft really committed to the run, believed the ball would come to him, and when it did, he executed an excellent header,” interim manager Matt Taylor remarked.
“While I’m incredibly pleased with how it ended, I can’t ignore my frustration with our first half as we weren’t competing at our usual level. We need to credit the opponent, but we were lacking physically and in our duels. Our second-half performance exemplified a change in tactics and a renewed intent after Reece’s goal just before the break.”
“I was disappointed with the goals we conceded, but that ending was fantastic. We haven’t had a half where we’ve created so many opportunities in a long time.”
The match kicked off with County scoring first in the ninth minute, as Malik Mothersille converted a poorly defended cross from Jack Diamond, putting Stockport ahead 1-0. Mothersille then assisted Josh Stokes in the 29th minute for a second County goal, as Stokes scored from close range.
Exeter quickly responded with a fine half-volley from Reece Cole at the 35-minute mark, leveling the score temporarily. Stockport had multiple chances to extend their lead but wasted opportunities; when on target, they faced a resilient Bycroft.
The Grecians brought the match level again in the 70th minute; substitute Timur Tutierov volleyed in from an Ilmari Niskanen cross. However, County regained the lead in the 77th minute with a rebound goal from Odin Bailey following a missed shot from Louie Barry.
Both teams had further chances, but Bycroft solidified his place as the match’s hero by scoring in the sixth minute of stoppage time, capping off an exhilarating game.
In other news, Cardiff captain Rubin Colwill scored a header in the 40th minute to give them a 1-0 lead at halftime, followed by Omari Kellyman extending the lead in the second half. Daniel Kyerewaa answered back in the 73rd minute, but Perry Ng sealed Cardiff’s victory with a superb strike just four minutes before the final whistle.
Reading’s Jeriel Dorsett came close with a missed opportunity from close range, while Kyerewaa’s attempt from the wing fell narrowly wide as they started the match strong. However, Colwill’s header from a Ryan Wintle cross broke the deadlock, and Kellyman’s well-placed finish followed. Despite the Royals’ pressure, Ng’s outstanding effort from outside the box ultimately secured the win, much to the delight of Cardiff’s traveling supporters.
PA contributed to this report