Sat 24 Aug 2019, Globe Arena Lg 2.
Since that memorable day at Wembley in 07, our paths have crossed a few times, strangely with our best results coming at St James’s Park in Devon rather than our home patch. And so it proved again on a beautiful summer Saturday at the Globe.
Both sides were evenly matched, with little goal threat from either until Jake Taylor released Jake Sparkes down the left who got to the byline and crossed for the advancing Taylor to stroke home unmarked and put the visitors ahead on 21 minutes.
The visitors then stepped up a gear, and doubled their lead when Tutte dallied in possession on the edge off the six yard line and was robbed easily for Martin to prod home.
More pressure followed as a string of corners very nearly lead to a three goal advantage. A corner from the right was met by Martin whose flicked header look to have killed the game off, however a late and unnecessary touch from Law in an offside position ruled the goal out.
This let off spurred the home side. An unwell Buxton was replaced by Allesandra who sparked a recovery when his 25 yard shot deflected off the underside of the bar to give us some hope in injury time. We were lucky to go in at 2-1 down, it flattered us no end but gave us the platform for the second period.
We continued to take the game to Exeter, suddenly it was a different Shrimps outfit, keeping the ball well and moving it quickly. On 63 minutes, following some lovely work by Miller and a great Stockton lay-off, Lewis dinked the ball over the advancing keeper to level the scores up.
Roared on by the home crowd, the game became more open, as Exeter looked to recover some composure and the Shrimps looked to capitalise on their ascendancy.
With both sides looking to win it, fortune favoured the Grecians on the day, a long throw flicked on by Bowman was missed by all as it rolled across the box, Collins returned it to an unmarked Law to finish past Baz and give them all three points.
To make matters worse, Lavelle was yellow carded for a challenge on Bowman and had first use of the Imperial Leather, but even with ten we pressed, Parkes getting in the way of a Tutte screamer which was destined for the top corner.
Dismal first half, better second, but still no points. It’s frustrating as we will play worse in the second half and win, those with no memory should think back to Macc just 5 days before!!