Soccer
Exeter’s winless run continues with goalless draw against Leyton Orient
Exeter and Leyton Orient played out a goalless stalemate in a match of few clear-cut chances at St James Park.
The point edged Orient a step closer to safety, but leaves Exeter in the relegation zone after Blackpool’s win over Burton Albion, with the draw extending their winless run to 14 matches.
Orient had the first chance after 14 minutes but Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft – making his first league start – got down well to push Theo Archibald’s shot away from goal.
Exeter responded with a Jayden Wareham header that went wide of goal before the Grecians’ top scorer headed against the crossbar after great build-up play involving Carlos Mendes Gomes and Danny Andrew.
Exeter then saw Ilmari Niskanen’s shot blocked before Wareham headed over and Reece Cole’s volley was saved by Will Dennis before an unfortunate slip in the Exeter defence saw Dom Ballard in on goal, but he lobbed his effort wide from 18 yards.
Orient did have the ball in the net after 55 minutes when Archibald’s volley was flicked in from close range by Tyreeq Bakinson, but it was ruled out for an offside.
Dennis made a superb stop to keep out Akeel Higgins’ near-post effort, while Orient seemed happy to sit in and make it hard for the Grecians, settling for a point.
