Match Report: Hartpury FC 4-1 Exmouth Town

Exmouth Town exit the FA Trophy after a disappointing display away at the KMM Energy Stadium against Hartpury FC.

t was Town who started off stronger, earning a penalty after just four minutes, but Matt Wright’s tame effort was well saved by Seth Locke to keep the game goalless.

It didn’t remain goalless for long however, as Ben Steer locked onto a long ball which the Hartpury defence inexplicably let bounce, and lobbed the keeper for the second time in a week to deservedly put Town ahead after an impressive start.

Hartpury replied just five minutes later with an equaliser however, with Kian Davies finishing well after being given too much space to sort his feet out after a poor first touch on the edge of the box.

Just four minutes later, the hosts were in front after some more poor defending from Town. Louis Manning collected a cross that Matt Wonnacott had deflected, and he set up Morgan Ewing who put the ball into an empty net to make it 2-1 to Hartpury.

The Acorns were threatening to run rampant, and could have made it three just before the half hour mark after another deep cross was not dealt with, however this time Wonnacott was able to save well at his near post.

Town made it into half time only one goal behind despite further scares, with the host’s pacy wingers causing major issues for the Town defence every time they got on the ball.

It was the visitors who started the half brightly once again after the restart however, Wright and Steer linked up well from a long ball with Steer’s effort cracking the crossbar to almost draw Town level.

This wasn’t to last though, and Wonnacott was called into action again and made a smart double save just before the hour mark to keep Town in the game amidst yet another wave of Hartpury pressure.

Town’s resistance wasn’t to last though, as once again Hartpury found joy down the wings with Sarriola playing Osborn inside, who was allowed to turn and finish, putting the game beyond Town’s reach just after the hour mark.

An attacking triple change did little to change the flow of the game, and on the 71st minute Town left themselves exposed at the back as the pacy Louis Manning raced clear, rounded the keeper and made it four for the hosts.

To their credit, Town didn’t give up and almost got rewarded for their persistence with substitute Iestyn Harris hitting the crossbar with five minutes to go with a superb effort.

However, on the day it was The Acorns who ran out deserves 4-1 winners in a dominant display as Town will look to get back on track away to Tiverton Town in a Devon derby on bank holiday Monday.