City will face Exeter City in the Third Round of the FA Cup, following the draw on Monday evening. The Blues have never faced the Grecians before in a competitive fixture. The League One side qualified courtesy of a 4-0 victory against Wycombe Wanderers in the previous round. The tie will be played at The Etihad around the weekend of Saturday 10 January 2026, with the exact details yet to be confirmed.
Exeter City's League One game with Burton Albion on Saturday has been postponed after a fire at their St James Park ground. The stadium's control room was badly damaged by a fire last week and is not reparable in time to make the ground safe for the fixture. The fire damaged the electricity supply to the Adam Stansfield Stand, public address and fire alarm systems, first aid facilities and internal computer networks.
"The fire is understood to have broken out in the St James Road and Well Street corner of the stadium and caused damage to the temporary building which houses the stadium's control room," Exeter City said. "The alarm was raised just after 10pm and the fire was attended by more than five fire crews who brought the flames under control within two hours."
After a wait of two-and-a-half years one of the fiercest rivalries in English football returns on Thursday night as Exeter City host Plymouth Argyle. In a county far away from most other football clubs and more known for holidays and cream teas the Devon derby is a huge deal - Exeter's St James Park sold out weeks ago and the game is live on television.
