Desperate winless run continues for relegation-threatened Exeter City

Exeter City slipped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Wigan Athletic as former Grecians boss Gary Caldwell returned to haunt his old club and deepen their League One worries.

City found themselves behind inside five minutes after failing to deal with a dangerous delivery from the left. Fraser Murray’s pinpoint cross picked out Joe Taylor, who powered a header past Joe Whitworth to give the visitors an early advantage.

The Grecians struggled to gain a foothold in the opening period and were fortunate not to fall further behind before the break. Harrison Bettoni came agonisingly close to doubling Wigan’s lead with an audacious 30-yard lob that beat Whitworth but crashed back off the crossbar.

Despite riding their luck at times, Exeter remained within touching distance and showed signs of life as the game progressed. However, Wigan continued to threaten, with Jensen Weir heading narrowly wide from another Murray delivery.

City’s best opportunity came in the second half when substitute Akeel Higgins was involved in a promising move, forcing a superb close-range save from Sam Tickle. The rebound fell invitingly to Carlos Mendes-Gomes, but he was unable to convert, firing wide from point-blank range.

That missed chance proved costly. With five minutes remaining, Wigan wrapped up the points in fortunate fashion as Murray’s corner from the left evaded everyone in the box and crept over the line to make it 2-0.

The Grecians are now only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.