Exeter City 2-1 Fleetwood Town: Late winner settles League Two contest at St James Park

Exeter City claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Fleetwood Town in English Football League Two on 24 October 2026, with a second-half strike from substitute Ethan Rowe proving decisive at St James Park. The Grecians had to withstand a spirited Fleetwood response after conceding an equaliser, but they found the extra quality needed in the final third to take all three points.

Match overview

Exeter started brightly and dominated the early possession, moving the ball quickly through midfield and asking questions of Fleetwood’s back four. The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Ollie Harwood met a deep cross at the back post and guided a header back across goal and into the net. It was a goal that rewarded Exeter’s patient build-up and their willingness to get bodies into the penalty area.

Fleetwood grew into the game after the half-hour mark and began to find space on the counter-attack. Their equaliser arrived in the 51st minute through Kieran Walsh, who latched onto a loose ball just outside the box and drilled a low effort into the bottom corner. The visitors then enjoyed their best spell of the match, forcing Exeter deeper and testing the home defence with a series of crosses.

With the game threatening to drift away from them, Exeter made a positive change and regained the initiative. The winning goal came in the 77th minute when Rowe arrived late in the box to convert a cutback from the left. Fleetwood pushed for a second equaliser in the closing stages, but Exeter managed the game well and protected their lead.

Key moments

• 22nd minute: Ollie Harwood heads Exeter City into the lead.
• 51st minute: Kieran Walsh equalises for Fleetwood Town with a low strike.
• 77th minute: Substitute Ethan Rowe scores the winner for Exeter.
• 90th minute: Exeter goalkeeper claims a late cross to deny Fleetwood a final chance.

Tactical story

Exeter’s 4-3-3 shape allowed them to control the centre of the pitch, with their midfield trio recycling possession and switching play to the wide areas. The home side’s full-backs pushed high, creating overloads that Fleetwood struggled to contain in the first half. However, Exeter’s willingness to commit numbers forward also left them exposed to quick transitions, and Fleetwood’s equaliser came from exactly that scenario.

Fleetwood’s 4-2-3-1 setup was designed to absorb pressure and strike on the break. Their front four worked hard to close down Exeter’s midfield, and the equaliser gave them belief. The introduction of Rowe for Exeter added fresh legs and a more direct threat in behind, which ultimately changed the game. Fleetwood’s late substitutions could not produce the same impact, and Exeter’s game management in the final ten minutes was excellent.

Standout players

Harwood’s first-half header was the highlight of a strong all-round display, while Rowe made an immediate impact from the bench. Exeter’s goalkeeper also deserve credit for a composed finish to the match, claiming crosses and slowing the tempo when needed. For Fleetwood, Walsh was their most dangerous outlet, and their centre-backs produced several important blocks before the winner.

What it means for the table

The result strengthens Exeter City’s position in the League Two standings and gives them momentum in the race for promotion. Fleetwood Town will feel they deserved something from the game after their second-half response, but they remain in need of more consistency on the road. Exeter’s ability to win when not at their fluent best is a promising sign, and their home form at St James Park could prove crucial as the season progresses.