Exmouth Town travel to Yate Town this Saturday looking to repeat their success when they played the Gloucestershire side in the FA Cup in 2019, writes John Dibsdall.
Goals from Aarron Denny and Jordan Harris earned Town a replay and a further goal from Denny and one from Ben Steer secured a 2-0 home win.
Last Saturday Yate, who were relegated from the Premier Division, won 3-0 at Melksham, whilst Town’s home form continues to cause concern as they slipped to their fourth consecutive home league defeat, losing 3-1 to Malvern Town.
Town went into this game with Tom Gardner, James Richards Jordan Casey and Bradley Cox on the injured list and Jordan Harris and Harvey Field crying off with illness on the morning of the match.
Robbie Powell, Josh Cann and Levi Landricombe were restored to the starting line-up and Manager Kevin Hill was able to call on the services of experienced central defender Rob Farkins.
The opening saw both sides sounding each other out but Town took full advantage of a defensive mix up to open the scoring on 26 minutes with Ben Steer calmly lobbing the goalkeeper from 25 yards.
Town had further chances to increase their lead with Steer and Landricombe both failing to hit the target with the ‘keeper stranded. There were warning signs of what may come when Powell had to make a superb reflex save and more last-ditch defending was needed to keep the lead intact at the break.
Malvern came out for the second half all guns blazing and deservedly equalised on 53 minutes and went ahead 20 minutes later, whilst Town were unable to mount any sustained attacks they had chances with Steer shooting straight at the ‘keeper when well-placed and Denny’s shot striking the crossbar.
The visitors made the game safe adding a third in added time when Town were chasing the equaliser.
The League table does not make pretty reading with Town firmly ensconced in the relegation place but whilst Hamworthy have withdrawn from the league their results are yet to be expunged.
Town’s away form has been better having drawn at Wimborne who are third and won 4-1 in their last away game at Bishops Cleeve who are sixth and another win on the road would clearly boost confidence.
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