Match Report: Bideford AFC 1-1 Exmouth Town

Exmouth Town got their Southern League South Division One campaign underway with a competitive 1-1 draw at The Persimmon Homes Sports Ground against Bideford. The two sides faced each other for the second time

The match started with good energy with both sides pressing with intent. If town were to have scored early it would most likely have come from a Matt Wright flick on to a marauding midfielder following a long ball from newly signed goalkeeper Matt Wonnacott, though they could not find the breakthrough.

Bideford were also left frustrated as the experienced centre back duo of Mike Landricombe and Louis Morrison dealt with a speedy front line well.

The breakthrough came in the 37th minute following an excellently delivered ball into the box that was nodded into the path of Reay to give The Robins a 1-0 lead that they would take into half time.

The second half continued with high energy from both sides.

It was Town however who would deal a second half blow. Following a scramble in the goal mouth Ethan Slater bundled the ball just over the line to draw the game level.

Both Town and The Robins created chances to win the game but to no avail. Slater continued to be a threat throughout from midfield and, for the hosts, Wright stung the palms of Wonnacott on multiple occasions.

Iestyn Harris and Owen Johnson came on for league debuts for Town and Louis Morrison picked up his first yellow of the season.

Town face Melksham on Saturday at 3pm in their first home fixture of the league campaign.

Line-Up: Wonnacott, Belsten, Cann (Johnson, 56), Knowles, Morison, Landricombe (c), Denny, Shipton (Steer, 55), Slater, Bath (Harris, 60), Wright. 

Subs unused: Evan Slater, Rowe.