Exmouth came into the game unbeaten in their last 3 fixtures, whereas Willand have had their last two league games postponed due to the poor weather, meaning their last outing came in the 1-0 loss to Falmouth on New Year’s day. 

 

Exmouth started the brighter of the two teams, but were limited to only half chances in a game that would see both defences come out on top in large parts.

 

The physical battle between the two sides was on full display for the close to 300 crowd inside Silver Street with a number of heavy challenges flying in, meaning that the match officials were kept busy all afternoon.

 

It wasn’t until after the half time break that the deadlock was finally broken, thanks to a fine cross from Ben Steer that found an unmarked Tom Bath in the box, giving the Exmouth target man the easiest of tap ins from close range.

 

Tor Swann then went close for the men in blue following a darting run and a shot from range that missed the far post by a matter of inches. 

 

Exmouth’s stubborn defence, which has been a hallmark of this team, were finally beaten on the 65th minute thanks to a goal from new signing Bailey Kempster, who like Bath, had the easiest of tap in from close range, following some neat build up play by the home side to level the game at 1-1.

 

The remainder of the game was similar to the opening period, filled with a lot of endeavour by both teams but being limited to half chances in what would turn out to be a scrappy derby and one in which the points would be shared with the game ending one all.  

 

Speaking after the game, manager Kevin Hill was reflective in a week when Exmouth have played 3 games and picked up 7 points.

 

“7 points in a week of course I’m pleased, this time last year we’d have bitten your hand off for that.

 

The expectations are on us now, it’s a different type of pressure and the longer it goes on the more pressure the boys will feel, at the end of the day its a game of football go and enjoy it.” 

 

Exmouth travel to Mousehole next in the league and a very different prospect to the last 3 teams they have faced.

 

Mousehole dropped points on Saturday and currently sit in 5th place 6 points behind but importantly with a game in hand on Exmouth. 

 

LINE-UP: Phillips, Cann, Belsten, Morison, Landricombe, Knowles, Swann (High, 75), Shipton, Griffith, Bath (McCue, 85), Steer.

 

SUBS NOT USED: Haden, Slater, Rowe.