Exeter City may have been 4-1 down at half-time to Crawley Town, but there was a belief within the squad that they would get something from the game. The Grecians were woeful for the first 45 minutes, but once the deficit was halved early in the second half, it felt inevitable that they would earn at least a point.

After Panutche Camara had fired the visitors in front, Exeter equalised through Millenic Alli in what was their first shot on goal. But three goals in eight minutes from Will Swann, Tola Showunmi and Armando Quitrina had the Red Devils 4-1 up at half-time.

Then the fightback came. Firstly Vincent Harper curled in a stunning strike to make it 4-2. With ten minutes to go, Ryan Woods scored straight from a corner. And after countless chances had been missed, deep into stoppage-time, Demetri Mitchell scored a screamer from distance to make it 4-4.

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“It was a crazy game,” Mitchell said. “First half we kind of not fell apart but had some mistakes, but with the team spirit we have and the quality we have we can come back into any game and we did that today.

“The manager said if we get the first goal in the second half we will get something from the game and we did. Everyone has to make an impact, the subs did that and we have a real squad depth and we will need it. It is an important month for everyone, not just starting eleven but everyone.

“If we scored five minutes earlier then we go and get the win. Five minutes earlier we would have got the three points but a point and a seven point week, we can’t complain.”

City dropped down to 13 ^th with the point, while Crawley’s winless run extended to six as they stayed in the relegation zone. Exeter City are back in action on New Year’s Day when they travel to Wycombe Wanderers.

“We played Wycombe and competed well, we know what they bring to the table,” he added. “But we are more than capable of getting the three points out of the game and I’m sure we will. We have real experience which helps the younger players and have to have that confidence and belief that we can get points anywhere. We are going there wanting to win games and that shift in mentality is key.”

Mitchell’s goal was his first in the league since his year-long injury absence, and not only was he delighted to be back on the scoresheet, he felt it was one of his best performances since returning to the team.

“I have had a few indifferent performances but having built minutes and I’m feeling more confident the more minutes I’m getting,” he added. “I’m feeling fitter and have to thank the manager for having faith in me and I have repaid him and will for the rest of the season.”