Exeter and Charlton boost survival hopes after sharing entertaining draw

Cheick Diabate’s late own goal earned Charlton a 1-1 draw at Exeter as both teams edged towards League One safety.

Exeter started well and went in front after six minutes when Jack Aitchison’s cross was headed in at the back post by former Addick Ben Purrington – the first time the Grecians had scored in the opening 15 minutes of a home league game since October 2021.

Charlton responded with Karoy Anderson forcing Vili Sinisalo into a smart stop and the Finnish stopper had to be alert to keep out another effort by Thierry Small.

The Addicks thought they had levelled on the stroke of half-time when George Dobson shot goalwards but Purrington got back to make a brilliant clearance off the line.

Harvey Isted denied Exeter’s Yanic Wildschut, who turned and shot goalwards from 15 yards, before the Suriname international set up Luke Harris but he miskicked and the chance went begging.

Charlton drew level with three minutes remaining as a deep cross was headed across goal by Chuks Aneke and the ball diverted into the net off the unfortunate Diabate.

Alfie May should have won it for Charlton but struck a post after rounding Sinisalo while Exeter also had chances to nick it in a breathless finale.