Exeter City attacker Millenic Alli was left delighted after scoring his first goal for the Grecians which helped them grab a dramatic late point at Leyton Orient. It had looked as if City’s six games unbeaten run was going to come to an end, but goals in the 88 th and 92 nd minutes saw Exeter fight back for a 2-2 draw.
Goals from Ollie O’Neill, directly from a corner, and then George Moncur just after the hour mark had put the O’s ahead and on course for victory. But Gary Caldwell’s men rallied, dominated the latter stages, and were fully deserved of the draw which made it seven unbeaten.
Alli had halved the deficit in the 88 th minute when the 24-year-old was left unmarked and nodded home a Luke Harris cross for his first strike since his January arrival from Halifax Town. Then, in added-on time, Tom Carroll’s shot from the edge of the box was flicked home by Will Aimson for the dramatic equaliser.
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On scoring his first goal in the EFL, Alli said: “It was a very proud moment to be honest, I want to thank God, it was an opportunity coming and the boys worked hard, the opportunity came and I took it."
On the game, the Irishman added: “It was a very difficult game, and when we got the first goal, it gave us some spirit, and then the second soon after to get the draw. We had to bring energy to the second half, push forward, as the opportunity was there to get the win, but we had to settle for the draw.
“For the rest of the season, I want to play as much as possible, score as many goals as possible and set a high standard for next season."
Alli had come off the bench in the first half to replace Jack Aitchison, who had limped off. Alongside fellow subs Luke Harris, Yanic Wildschut, and then Cheick Diabate, who came on upfront as an emergency striker after Vincent Harper had felt his hamstring, City’s finishers made a real difference. Wildschut in particular was impressive on the left wing as he gave the full-back a torrid time, while Alli produced his best performance so far in the red and white.
“Millenic was very good, he gave us physicality and speed,” Caldwell said. “When we started dominating, we had him and Cheick in the box, while Immy (Ilmari Niskanen) and Yanic were outstanding, and one of the crosses falls to Milly and it was a great header. I am delighted for him and something he can build on and get confidence from.”
City are now unbeaten in seven – the longest run in two years, and the longest in their tier since 2010. Up next is a trip to Port Vale, who sit in the bottom four, on Saturday.
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