Match Report: Exmouth Town 2-1 Banbury United

An early second half comeback saw Exmouth Town book their place in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup, as they beat Banbury United 2-1 at the Search4Local Stadium.

A brilliant Josh Cavallo strike saw Town behind at half-time, but two quick-fire goals from Matt Wright and Alex Cairo means that Exmouth will travel to Thame United on September 19th.

The game started in a similar way to the first match, with Banbury on top of proceedings, without really creating any chances.

Town struggled to establish anything on the ball, with the Puritans press proving tough to navigate.

Alex Prosser and Ben Nash would have the first shots of the game from range, but both would fly over the bar.

Exmouth would get their first opportunity from a corner, but Ben Steer was not able to divert a low set-piece on target.

Unlike the first game, Banbury would take the lead, as Nash laid the ball off to Cavallo, and his first-time effort struck the post and hit the back of the net.

Otis Castle was called upon to respond to some home pressure, being in the right place at the right time to deny a Cairo shot.

Cavallo would fancy his chances from range once again, but this time around the ball would roll well past the post.

Town were forced into a change at the break, as Matt Wonnacott sustained an injury, and he would be replaced by the veteran Chris Wright.

Exmouth would fly out of the blocks, and it was not long until they were level, as a Cairo cross was perfect for the head of Matt Wright, and he found the top corner.

The hosts would come close to making it two in two minutes, as Aarron Denny was played in on goal, but he was unable to cause Jack Harding any problems.

Fans would not have to wait much longer for a second goal, as Denny played the ball to Cairo and after some excellent movement, he was able to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Town’s momentum would continue, and they potentially should have had a third as Ollie Knowles picked out Louis Morison, but his powerful header was wide.

Banbury would press for an equaliser, and Wright was tested, with Joel Anker looking destined to score, until the substitute goalkeeper made an excellent save.

Exmouth would still be a threat on the break, and managed to find the side-netting with two consecutive attacks, as Cairo and Denny missed the target.

There would be one more chance for the visitors, as the ball came into the box and eventually found Anker, but Wright got down well to save, and eventually jumped on the ball.

It was a superb win for Exmouth against Southern Premier opposition, and they will be rewarded with another trip to Oxfordshire to take on Thame United.

Before that, Town will return to league action this Saturday, as they face Shaftesbury in the Southern League Division One South.