Exeter City 1-1 Reading FC: FLW reports as Jayden Wareham denies Royals three points | OneFootball

FLW reports from St James Park as Exeter City hosted Reading FC in an important clash at the foot of League One.

Exeter City and Reading played out a 1-1 draw, after two early goals and 13 minutes of stoppage time were the talking point at St James Park on Saturday afternoon.

The game got off to a frantic start, with Jack Marriott pouncing on a loose backwards header from Johnly Yfeko to give Reading the lead, before former Royal Jayden Wareham levelled five minutes later with a finish from close range.

Gary Caldwell's side controlled the first half, going close through Reece Cole and Pierce Sweeney, but they were unable to find a breakthrough, which saw the teams go in at half-time all square with one goal apiece.

The second half was a completely different kettle of fish, with stoppages making it difficult for either side to gain any sort of momentum. Marriott had the best chance of the half, blazing over from close range.

After 13 minutes of stoppage time, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, which was a result that didn't do much for both sides in terms of getting themselves away from the bottom of the table, but a fair reflection of the contest as a whole.

Exeter City 1-1 Reading FC

The game had barely started when the Royals took the lead through their main-man Marriott. A terrible header from Yfeko back to his keeper was intercepted by the number seven, who tucked home to give his side the lead within six minutes.

The lead would only last a matter of minutes though, as Exeter won the ball back high up the pitch, with Cole squaring the ball to former Reading striker Wareham, who slotted past Joel Pereira to draw the Grecians level.

The number nine celebrated right in front of his former supporters, as there was quite clearly no love between Wareham and the travelling Reading supporters.

After a hectic opening 10 minutes to the contest, the game settled down with the hosts controlling the ball and looking comfortable in transition, with Reading just having to weather the storm.

The Grecians looked a real threat from set-pieces, and should've made it 2-1 when a deep free-kick from Danny Andrew was met by the head of Sweeney. The Exeter captain was unmarked in the box, but headed over from close range.

Cole then should've scored with five minutes until the break. A scrap in the midfield saw Exeter breakthrough two-on-one, with Ilmari Niskanen the square option for the number 12. He opted to go alone, which was the wrong choice, as Charlie Savage managed to get back and dispossess him.

That would be it for the first half, as the sides went in level. The scoreline somewhat flattered Reading, who had been nowhere in the game after their early goal, with Exeter squandering plenty of good chances to take the lead.

The opening ten minutes of the second period were quite bitty, and both sides couldn't really get a foothold in possession. Noel Hunt had clearly had some stern words with his side, who looked somewhat rejuvenated early on.

Just before the hour mark, Reading should've had the lead when a long ball from Lewis Wing freed Kamari Doyle, who's cross found an unmarked Marriott in the box. However, the number seven snatched at the chance, with a rather uncharacteristic finish, that looped over the bar.

There was a lengthy break in play as Reading keeper Pereira required treatment after clashing with Niskanen, after a perfectly weighted through ball almost gave the Fin a clear path to goal.

Then, after three consecutive corners, the Royals missed another golden chance to take the lead. Exeter failed to clear their lines from the third delivery, and the ball teed up nicely for Matty Jacob, who blasted it over the bar.

Ten minutes were added after numerous stoppages in the second half, which saw renewed excitement in both sets of supporters that their side could find a winner in added time.

However, that goal wouldn't come for either side, as the game fizzled out and ended in a 1-1 draw. A fair result based on the contest as a whole, with Exeter controlling the first half, and Reading edging the second.

Exeter City player ratings

J. Whitworth - 7

J. Yfeko - 6 (K. McDonald 75'(6))

J. Fitzwater - 7

P. Sweeney - 6

D. Andrew - 7

I. Niskanen - 7

E. Brierley - 7 (K. Wilson 88'(6))

J. McMillan - 6

R. Cole - 7 (T. Dean 88'6())

A. Higgins - 7 (J. Aitchison 63'(6))

J. Wareham - 6

Unused substitutes: J. Bycroft, E. Turns, L. Woodhouse

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Reading FC player ratings

J. Pereira - 6

A. Ahmed - 6 (K. Abrefa 83'(6))

P. O'Connor - 6

F. Burns - 6

M. Jacob - 7 (J. Dorsett 99'(N/A))

M. Ritchie - 6 (A. Yiadom 83'(6))

C. Savage - 6

K. Doyle - 7 (K. Ehibhatiomhan 71'(6))

L. Wing - 6

P. Lane - 7 (D. Kyerewaa 99'(N/A))

J. Marriott - 7

Unused substitutes: J. Stevens, B. Elliott

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Match attendance

There were 7361 supporters in attendance at St James Park on Saturday afternoon, including an impressive 1001 making the trip down from Berkshire.