Before tonight's Blue Square Premier clash against York City, most Exeter fans would probably have settled for a 1-1 draw. That is until the 87th minute of the game, when York's slippery striker Onome Sodje - who had long threatened - snaked through the Exeter defence to equalize Richard Logan's penalty 10 minutes before half-time. It seemed scant reward for a fine performance against one of the best teams in the league, albeit a side who have started poorly. The consolation, I guess, is that there won't be that many tougher home ties. And in spite of a radically diminished midfield, the Grecians were well-organised, determined and lion-hearted throughout. Ironically, given that it is the one area of the field where they have options at the moment, they may have lacked a little bite up front. But the defending, that crucial moment apart, was oftentimes heroic. York were able to push up further than they should, but they faced skilled tackling and marking, attackers (Jamie Mackie and Logan - pictured) prepared to cover gaps in the centre of the park brought on by injuries, and a very able goalkeeper in 36-year-old veteran Andy Marriott - a new signing from recently demoted Boston United. Exeter deserved more than a point, but the performance was reward in itself. One of the most compelling games I've seen at St James' Park for a long time.
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
Grecians face a yorker
Before tonight's Blue Square Premier clash against York City, most Exeter fans would probably have settled for a 1-1 draw. That is until the 87th minute of the game, when York's slippery striker Onome Sodje - who had long threatened - snaked through the Exeter defence to equalize Richard Logan's penalty 10 minutes before half-time. It seemed scant reward for a fine performance against one of the best teams in the league, albeit a side who have started poorly. The consolation, I guess, is that there won't be that many tougher home ties. And in spite of a radically diminished midfield, the Grecians were well-organised, determined and lion-hearted throughout. Ironically, given that it is the one area of the field where they have options at the moment, they may have lacked a little bite up front. But the defending, that crucial moment apart, was oftentimes heroic. York were able to push up further than they should, but they faced skilled tackling and marking, attackers (Jamie Mackie and Logan - pictured) prepared to cover gaps in the centre of the park brought on by injuries, and a very able goalkeeper in 36-year-old veteran Andy Marriott - a new signing from recently demoted Boston United. Exeter deserved more than a point, but the performance was reward in itself. One of the most compelling games I've seen at St James' Park for a long time.
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