Exeter City dug deep into their reserves of character to earn an outstanding 1-1 draw at high-flying Stevenage, and they did most of it with ten men.

The Grecians, without a win in 11 games and desperate to find some form ahead of the hectic Christmas schedule, set out their stall in a combative first period, frustrating a home side that could have moved into the automatic promotion places with a victory.

City were on course for a satisfying first 45 minutes when the dynamic of the day completely changed, Jack Aitchison given his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card for dissent. Exeter barely had time to regroup before they fell behind to a Carl Piergianni header.

However, the half-time break gave City the opportunity to reorganise and their second half display was full of courage and commitment. Yanic Wildschut was introduced at the break and he took just two minutes to equalise from a Dan Rankine cross.