Stockley keeps Exeter FA Cup hopes alive after breathless finish at Forest Green

Posted Sunday, December 03, 2017 by PA

Jayden Stockley scored a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time after Exeter recovered from surrendering the lead in the final few minutes to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw at Forest Green.

The Grecians had been 2-1 ahead until the 88th minute but two late goals looked to have given the hosts a dramatic victory, only for a Stockley header to force an FA Cup second-round replay.

After a good early spell for the hosts, marksman Christian Doidge netted the opener after 26 minutes, latching on to a Reece Brown through ball before firing under goalkeeper Christy Pym.

The equaliser came against the run of play after 58 minutes when Grecians skipper Jordan Moore-Taylor headed home.

Stockley fired Exeter ahead after meeting a Hiram Boateng cross and volleying into the net six minutes later.

But Mark Cooper's side secured a late leveller when Scott Laird headed home before Doidge thought he had fired home the winner in the second minute of added time.

But two minutes later, a corner came into the box and Stockley headed home his second of the afternoon before Forest Green manager Cooper was sent off for kicking a bottle.