Kenyan defender Vincent Harper delivered a standout performance for Exeter City, helping his side hold English Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest to a 2-2 draw before falling in a dramatic penalty shootout in the FA Cup.
Harper, who started at left-back, was one of Exeter’s best performers on the night, playing 82 minutes and earning impressive ratings of 8.0 in the first half and 7.3 by the time he was substituted.
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Despite being reduced to 10 men, Exeter fought valiantly against a Forest side that had recently won 7-0 in the Premier League. The League One side showed resilience and determination, taking the match to extra time and eventually penalties, whereas Forest’s superior experience saw them progress.
The match started at a high tempo, with Exeter taking a 4th-minute lead through Josh Magennis, who pounced on a goalkeeping error after a Demetri Mitchell shot was parried. Harper played a key role in the team’s early defensive structure, covering well at the back and making crucial interventions to deny Forest’s attacks. However, Exeter’s lead was short-lived, as Ramon Sosa equalized in the 14th minute after latching onto a through ball from Ibrahim Sangaré.
Harper continued to be involved, making a goal-line clearance after Exeter’s goalkeeper Joe Whitworth was beaten in a one-on-one situation. Forest took the lead in the 37th minute when Taiwo Awoniyi finished clinically from the edge of the box. Despite the setback, Exeter remained competitive, with Harper continuing to make overlapping runs down the left flank and delivering dangerous crosses into the opposition box.
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Exeter came out fired up after the break and found a way back into the game just minutes into the second half. Magennis once again found the net, this time forcing an own goal from Willy Boly in the 47th minute, making it 2-2. Harper remained solid in defense, working hard to contain Forest’s attacking threats.
However, the game took a dramatic turn when Ed Turns was shown a straight red card in stoppage time after a reckless challenge in midfield. With Exeter down to 10 men, they had to dig deep to force the game into extra time. Despite being a man down, Exeter defended resolutely throughout the additional 30 minutes, with Whitworth pulling off incredible saves to deny Forest’s forwards.
Harper’s absence after his 82nd-minute substitution was felt, but his teammates showed remarkable determination to keep the game level. The match went to penalties, where Nottingham Forest held their nerve to secure victory. Exeter’s Reece Cole’s penalty was saved, while Angus MacDonald struck the crossbar, allowing Forest to advance.
Despite the loss, the Kenyan international had a great performance for his club Exeter City. His ability to defend solidly while also contributing in attack highlighted his potential. His first-half rating of 8.0 as per flash score was the highest among Exeter players, and he remained among the team’s top performers before being subbed off. With performances like this, the Kenyan defender is proving to be a key asset for Exeter City. His display against a top-flight opponent will certainly attract attention, and he could be on the radar of top-ranked sides shortly.
Exeter may be out of the FA Cup, but their spirited performance led will be remembered by their fans as a night when they went toe-to-toe with a Premier League side and nearly pulled off a major upset.
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