Exeter City end winless run with emphatic victory over Doncaster

Exeter City brought their 15-match winless streak to a decisive end with a commanding 3-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers, reigniting their hopes of avoiding relegation from League One.

The breakthrough came just before half-time when Exeter’s leading scorer, Jayden Wareham, struck in the 42nd minute. A precise pass from Reece Cole sent Wareham clear of the Doncaster defence, and he made no mistake, rifling the ball across goal to register his 20th goal of the season.

Doncaster threatened to respond, with Elliot Lee forcing a save from Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft. Bycroft proved instrumental throughout, producing a series of crucial stops to maintain his side’s advantage. His standout moment came early in the second half, when he made a remarkable one-handed save to deny Harry Clifton’s header.

Exeter’s defence also held firm under pressure. On his full league debut, Ed James made a vital goal-line clearance to prevent Owen Bailey from equalising.

The home side doubled their lead in the 69th minute through substitute Josh Magennis, who struck powerfully from a tight angle, the ball crashing in off the far post.

Wareham sealed the victory in the 84th minute, reacting quickest at the back post after Doncaster goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala spilled a corner, tapping home from close range to complete his brace.

Despite the convincing win, Exeter remain in the bottom four, sitting two points from safety. Doncaster, meanwhile, are four points and four places clear of the relegation zone as the battle for survival continues.