Exmouth Town have put the disappointment of their FA Trophy exit fully behind them with a league and cup double over their Devon rivals Tavistock.
Their 3-1 victory in the St Lukes Bowl was brought to life with two superb strikes from Louis Morison. With both sides giving a full start to fringe players Town were the more prominent side without creating any clear-cut chances before they were awarded a free kick some twenty five yards from goal. Up steps Morison to hammer a right foot shot into the bottom corner with the ‘keeper motionless.
Arguably his second goal was even better, a left foot drive from almost thirty yards that swerved into the top corner again leaving the ‘keeper grasping air.
A first goal for the club by Isaac McCue made it three before a soft penalty was converted to give the visitors a consolation goal.
Attentions then turned to the league with Town looking to repeat their victory at Tavistock last season. With both sides at almost full strength Town again made the more promising start and went close with efforts from Aarron Denny and Nelson Iscguan. This was not a game for the faint hearted with tackles flying in and Tavistock were lucky to have eleven men on the pitch when a tackle by a player already booked went unpunished and yet the referee issued yellows to two players for the melee that followed. The red card was, however, shown in added time of the first half when a Tavistock player made a rash and dangerous tackle on Tom Bath.
Down to ten men Tavistock’s tactics in the second half were clear for all to see. Defend in depth, slow the game down and time waste at every opportunity. For Town they have in the past struggled to break down sides and this seemed to be going the same way. A Joe Belsten cross hit the top of the crossbar and a Morgan Williams effort rippled the side netting but the goal Town deserved finally came on eighty minutes. Once again skipper Mike Landricombe was the answer rising highest to a corner his header was too powerful for the ‘keeper to save. Whilst this caused Tavistock to venture forward Town’s defence held firm for a very satisfying three points that takes Town up to third in the table.
October is a busy month for Town with eight league games scheduled. They start this Wednesday with a home fixture against Cribbs and then travel to Falmouth on Saturday.
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