Defiant Exeter City ready to turn the corner with results

In a clash between two sides desperately trying to find some form, City enjoyed a fine start to the game and looked the more likely to break the deadlock.

A delightful cross from Immy Niskanen picked out Harry Kite at the back post but he was denied by a brave block from Vale ‘keeper Connor Ripley. The visitors replied with an effort from former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Conor Grant fizzing wide.

The decisive moment in the game arrived on the half-hour, when a near-post corner was flicked on for Oliver Arblaster to force it over the line.

The Grecians came out fighting after the break, Yanic Wildschut forcing another decent block from Ropley before Niskanen was unable to make proper contact on an inviting cross from Pierce Sweeney.

City battled to the end but their afternoon was summed by a late dismissal for captain Will Aimson after picking up a second yellow card.

Manager Gary Caldwell told the club website: "It's another frustrating game. I thought the players gave everything and we were the better team in the game. The first 15 is where I've asked for a little bit more, I felt we could have taken the lead.

"We kept putting balls in the box and create good chances but we aren't putting it in the back of the net. I want to see more conviction in the final actions - we're too tentative. We're a bit slow in the thought process because of the run we're on.

"The confidence has to be there for the players."

The frustration was echoed by midfielder Ryan Trevitt, who also told the club website: "It may seem repetitive at the moment but I feel like we're doing a lot of things well. Obviously, the results aren't coming and I feel a lot of things aren't going our way but we can't rely on that [changing] so we need to keep our heads up and keep going.

"Very frustrated, we apologise to the fans again for another loss. We're looking to put it right and that's what everyone's saying in the changing room."