Match Report: Tiverton Town 1-2 Exmouth Town

Exmouth Town battled to a superb 2-1 win away at the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium, against Tiverton Town in the Southern League Division One South.

A Jacob Wellington goal saw Town behind at the break, but a Matt Wright brace ensured the visitors left with all three points.

Tiverton were reduced to ten-men as Finn Roberts was dismissed for a clear kick on Joe Belsten.

The hosts started the game off well as Ed Palmer’s cross was headed over by Jesse Howe, with Matt Wood also having a header on goal in the early stages.

Asa Hall was next to have an effort, but his low drive rolled past the post.

Billy Tucker’s long throw caused problems for the Town defence, with Matt Wonnacott forced into a great save to ensure the ball did not find a Tivvy man.

It could have been the opener as a corner drifted to an unmarked Palmer, but he could not connect with the ball.

The game became quite bitty for a period, with Town having moments, although were not testing Louis Smith in the home goal.

Tiverton would get the opener just before the break in controversial fashion, as Town were briefly reduced to ten men, and they were punished as Wellington’s header found the back of the net.

This clearly lit something in Exmouth, who came flying out of the blocks to immediately level the game, as Ollie Knowles picked out Wright, and his header found the back of the net.

It would go from bad to worse for the hosts, as Roberts would receive a straight red card for kicking out at Belsten following a coming together.

Knowles was creating the chances for Town, and he picked out Alex Cairo who just was not quite able to keep his shot down.

Exmouth had Tiverton on the ropes, and a series of shots in the box culminated with Ben Steer blocking an Ethan Slater shot with his head, before Wood made an excellent stop on Wright’s attempt on goal.

The hosts would have a great chance to go level, but a superb one-on-one save from Wonnacott would deny them a second goal.

Town were pushing for a winner, and should have made it two after Knowles curled the ball round to Belsten, and his low cross whistled across goal, just missed by the diving Slater.

It would be Exmouth who found the second goal, as once again a Knowles set-piece was perfect for Wright, and he guided the ball into the top right corner.

Tiverton would push for a late equaliser, having a corner headed over the bar, as well as a long-shot going over, but Town would hold firm for a massive three points.

Exmouth will turn their attention back to the FA Cup this Saturday, as they take on Southern Premier Central side Banbury United at the TUGO Community Stadium.