# Magennis Rescues Point for Exeter as Burton Snatch Lead at St James Park
**EXETER, ENGLAND —** Josh Magennis rose above Burton Albion's defence in the 73rd minute to head home a dramatic equaliser, rescuing a 1-1 draw for Exeter City at St James Park on Tuesday afternoon. The substitute's intervention denied the visitors all three points in a League One contest that swung decisively in its final quarter, leaving both sides with mixed feelings about a match that could have gone either way.
Exeter controlled the game's rhythm throughout, monopolising possession with 64.8 percent of the ball and forcing 12 shot attempts compared to Burton's 11. Yet territorial dominance proved meaningless when Udoka Godwin-Malife struck in the 64th minute, the Burton right wing-back capitalising on a rare counter-attack to give the Brewers an unlikely lead. The goal arrived against the run of play—Exeter had camped in Burton's half for extended periods, winning 11 corner kicks to their opponents' five—but the visitors' defensive discipline and clinical finishing threatened to secure a precious away victory.
Burton's back three of Hartridge, Moon, and goalscoring Godwin-Malife held firm as the minutes ticked away. Goalkeeper Collins proved crucial to their resistance, making three saves to keep Exeter at bay. The home side's frustration mounted as their possession advantage failed to translate into clear-cut opportunities, and the Brewers' counter-attacking threat remained potent throughout.
Exeter's head coach responded decisively, introducing Akeel Higgins in the 61st minute before bringing on Magennis just two minutes after Burton had taken the lead. The big striker's impact was immediate and decisive. Rising above the Burton defence, Magennis powered home a header that sent St James Park into rapturous relief and restored parity. Kevin McDonald followed in the 83rd minute as Exeter pressed for a winner, though neither side could find the breakthrough.
Collins finished with three saves for Burton, while Exeter's Whitworth made four stops—a testament to the visitors' continued threat on the break despite their defensive struggles. Referee Jamie O'Connor oversaw a relatively disciplined contest, issuing one yellow card to Exeter and two to Burton, with no red cards to complicate proceedings.
The draw extends Exeter's winless run to five matches, comprising four draws and one defeat. Burton, having won just once in their last five outings, will view this point as valuable currency. Exeter host Wycombe Wanderers this weekend, while Burton travel to face Charlton Athletic in their next fixture.