United were denied in the final minute once again this evening as Richard Logan's last minute volley grabbed Exeter a point. Leading 2-0 through two Rob Duffy penalties United were stunned as sub Logan scored two late goals to earn the Grecians a draw.

With just the one change to the team that started against Halifax, Michael Standing replacing Carl Pettefer as the right hand man in a midfield trio, United started brightly and it was Standing involved in a great move which earned them a 14^th minute first penalty. Standing surged forward played a superb one-two with Paul Shaw, and as Jon Richardson slid in he caught Michael's Standing leg (I thank you), leaving ref Phillips to point to the spot. A penalty against Exeter? Oh the memories. Thankfully  Duffy  was the coolest man on the field to roll the ball past Marriott and score his second of the season.

It took a brilliant save from Turley a minute later to keep that lead, the keeper thwarting Stansfield after a Day slip, but United hit straight back and a Shaw shot on the turn only just evaded the fast closing Duffy at the far post as The Grecians scrambled furiously to try and find some sort of defensive order. That Turley save was just the first of several good stops by United keepers on the night...

One feature of United's play was the number of forward runs that Danny Rose made, and with Trainer strong in the middle and Standing always looking to create something on the other side the engine room was doing well. With Exeter 4-3-3 there was plenty of space in the middle of the park and it was fascinating to watch. Just before the hour there was a twist, with Jim Smith matching Exeter's formation and replacing Standing with Odubade, and at the same time making an enforced change as Billy Turley hobbled off and was replaced by Chris Tardif.

On the hour United almost grabbed that crucial second goal as Day met Jeannin's corner but saw his header cleared off the line, and two minutes later another intricate move ended with an Anaclet shot blocked from eight yards. The decision to match Exeter's shape was paying off, and on 66 minutes got its reward as Trainer freed Yemi on the right. Nobody was going to catch him, and when his low shot was pushed out by Marriott  Shaw fired back at goal and saw his goalbound effort blocked by the arm of Taylor. Up stepped Duffy, in went the ball. 2-0.

Exeter had matched United for much of the game, with Basham always a threat on his return, but could find no way past the rock like Quinn, Corcoran and Day who were superb throughout. All three made magnificent tackles inside the box and looked imperious until fifteen minutes of panic somehow set in.  When Stansfield did eventually get past them he fluffed his shot wide, and then a minute later Tardif showed why United are blessed with two quality keepers with a fine stop from the same player. Just to prove it Tardif denied Lee Elam with an even better save soon after!

The game had looked dead and buried, but Exeter have a terrible habit of not knowing they're beaten and pressure was building. It wouldn't be Oxford without a bit of tension would it? So when Moxey crossed and Logan headed home his customary goal against them on 78 minutes the tension levels naturally rose. Exeter threw men forward, people bit finger nails covered their eyes or turned over to Hells Kitchen if they were at home. Tully thumped a thirty yarder against the bar, and there was incredible drama as the game played out.

In the fifth of four minutes of extra time that Exeter pressure finally got them a reward as Logan thumped home at the far post, mysteriously unmarked.  Damnation. A point that Exeter deserved, but one that had looked oh so unlikely.

Report: Chris Williams

Stats: PA Sports

At: 4,560

Away 282

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