Exmouth Town edged out by visiting Bodmin Town
PUBLISHED: 12:51 18 March 2018 | UPDATED: 12:51 18 March 2018
Exmouth Town player Max Gillard, who scored the opening Town goal in the narrow 4-3 home defeat to Bodmin Town
Archant
Exmouth Town are still looking for their first points of 2018, but gave a much-improved performance as they were edged out of a seven goal thriller against leading Cornish side Bodmin Town at Southern Road, writes John Dibsdall.
Bodmin have not tasted defeat in the league since August 26, but it was Town who started well and struck first just three minutes into the game.
The goal arrived after a Ben Steer shot was brilliantly turned away by the visiting glovesman for a corner and, when then set-piece was delivered into a busy goalmouth, Max Gillard was on hand to force the ball home.
Bodmin equalised after 24 minutes when a left foot volley from Neil Slateford sailed into the top corner giving debutant ‘keeeper Martin Rice no chance.
Town responded well and Ace High, at last back in a Town shirt following a prolonged absence for a red card received back on December 9 [the fact that Town had so many games called off meant he waited over three months to complete a three game ban!] saw a shot flash narrowly wide and Gillard just failed to connect with another Steer cross.
Town started the second half on top and, after High had a header saved, Mike Humphries was on hand to head in another corner.
Back came Bodmin and Adam Carter, having been in an off-side position, but deemed not interfering, was in the clear to head home the equaliser when the cross was delivered.
Sam Schaefli then set up Humphries, who somehow missed the target when it looked easier to score, and Town were punished when Jake Ash powered a header into the top corner with 75 minutes played.
When Carter added his second with an excellent finish the game looked as a contest, but Town showed great character and hit back when High headed home a Scott Merritt cross with four minutes remaining.
High and Schaefli then had efforts blocked as Town searched in vain for the fourth goal that would have given them a well-deserved share of the spoils.
There’s another tough test this Saturday for Town with reigningb champions Tavistock the visitors to Southern Road (3pm).
Whilst the title this year will surely go to Plymouth Parkway, Tavistock, with games in hand, should secure the runners-up spot.
Town have 10 matches left to play with six of them in April and two in early May.
The remaining 10 Town league matches.
March 23 H Tavistock
March 30 H Cullompton Rangers
April 2 H Helston
April 7 A Sticker
April 13 A Plymouth Parkway
April 18 H Camelford
April 28 A Torpoint Athletic
April 30 A Cullompton Rangers
May 5 A St Austell
May 7 H Goldolphin
