Exeter held by Northampton in possible Gary Caldwell swansong

Exeter dominated a goalless draw with Northampton in what looks like being Gary Caldwell’s final game in charge of the Grecians.

The Exeter manager is poised to take over at League One rivals Wigan but if so, he was unable to sign off from St James Park with victory.

Exeter made a bright start with Ilmari Niskanen dragging a shot wide from 20 yards and Ethan Brierley firing over the bar from distance.

Half-chances kept coming Exeter’s way with Jayden Wareham’s effort blocked and Jack Aitchison seeing a shot deflect narrowly wide.

Northampton’s Kamarai Swyer was given a torrid time by lively Exeter winger Timur Tutierov and the defender almost put through his own goal under pressure from the Ukrainian winger. From the resulting corner, Luca Woodhouse’s header was blocked with Exeter in total control.

Northampton could have gone in front when Wareham’s header almost flew into his own net, only for Joe Whitworth to bail him out before the Cobblers’ Elliott List fired the rebound high.

Wareham then fired straight at Ross Fitzsimons at the other end, as did Ethan Brierley, while Ryan Rydel was off target with a cushioned volley from 15 yards as Exeter battered at the door but could not break it down.