Exeter City 1-1 Reading: First Draw of the Season at St James Park

When Exeter City hosted Reading on 11 October 2025, the two League One sides walked away level at St James Park. The 1‑1 result was a surprise to a crowd of 7,361 – including 1,001 travelling Royals supporters – because it marked the Grecian’s first draw after twelve matches of pure win‑or‑lose outcomes. Jayden Wareham opened the scoring, while a later effort from an unnamed Reading attacker forced a brilliant save from Joe Perira, the visiting goalkeeper who kept his side in the game.

Match Overview

The fixture was formally listed as an EFL League One matchSt James Park, Exeter. After a restless first half, Exeter dominated possession, creating several half‑chances that rattled the Royals’ defence. The home side’s pressure paid off when Wareham pounced on a spilled cross from Akeel Higgins to tap home the ball in the 12th minute.

Key Moments and Player Performances

Wareham’s goal was the only one before the hour‑mark, but the drama didn’t stop there. In the 22nd minute, a whipped cross from Danny Andrew found his own striker, who narrowly missed an open net. Two in‑swinging corners delivered by midfielder Cole forced Reading’s keeper into a spectacular fingertip save and a second‑time‑around header from Pierce Sweeney that sailed over the bar.

Reading’s reply came via a well‑taken run by former Exeter forward Doyle, whose shot was blocked by defender Jack Fitzwater. The ‘golden chance’ for the Grecians arrived when Cole beat the off‑side trap, surged down the right, and opted for a pass to midfielder Niskanen instead of shooting. The decision allowed Reading defender Finley Burns to intervene and clear the ball mere yards from goal.

At the half‑hour, a low drive from the edge of the box by Higgins was smothered by Perira at his near post – a reminder that the keeper was having a busy afternoon. The equaliser arrived in the second half after a scramble in the box; while the scorer wasn’t named, the goal was credited to a quick‑release from a corner that caught the Exeter defence flat‑footed.

Statistical Snapshot

• Attendance: 7,361 (1,001 Reading fans)
• Shots on target: Exeter 5, Reading 4
• Corners: Exeter 6, Reading 3
• Yellow cards: Reading’s Ritchie (57’) – 1
• League record after match: Exeter City 8‑4‑1 (12 games)

Reactions from Clubs and Fans

Exeter manager Gary Caldwell (not marked as primary) praised his side’s attacking intent but admitted the draw was “a bit of a reality check”. He noted that while the team created “twenty‑plus chances”, they still need to sharpen their finishing. In post‑match interviews, Reading’s boss Paul Ince (not a primary entity) highlighted the resilience of his squad, saying the point was “hard‑earned” after a “nervous first half”.

Supporters in the stands expressed mixed feelings. Exeter fans, accustomed to the early‑season win‑or‑lose rhythm, cheered the effort but lamented missed opportunities. On the Terrace, a local supporter quipped, “We finally got a draw, but I’d rather see three goals on the board”. Meanwhile, Reading fans were relieved to see their keeper make crucial saves – Perira’s performance earned a chorus of applause as he left the field.

Implications for the League One Campaign

The point keeps Exeter within striking distance of the playoff places, sitting eighth in the table, three points behind the fifth‑placed side. More importantly, it ends the club’s unbeaten streak of 12 games without a draw, a statistic that had raised eyebrows among pundits who wondered whether the team could hold onto tight leads. The draw may force Caldwell to tweak his tactical approach, perhaps opting for a more conservative setup in future close‑contests.

For Reading, the result revives their hopes of climbing out of the lower mid‑table. After a shaky start to the season, the Royals have collected nine points from their last four matches. The point at Exeter keeps them clear of the relegation battle, though they’ll need to convert draws into wins to press for a playoff push.

What’s Next?

Exeter travel to Plymouth for their next League One clash on 19 October, while Reading face Swansea City a week later. Both fixtures will test the squads’ ability to build on the momentum – or lack thereof – that this St James Park stalemate provided.