Nap hand of different scorers as Exmouth Town bhit top spot

Steve Birley Monday, January 14, 2013
9:15 PM

Exmouth Town 5, Alphington 1

Exmouth Town went to the top of the SWPL East Division table following this deserved Southern Road success in which they had five different scorers, writes John Dibsdall.

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What helped lift Town to the summit was also the fact that previous leaders Newton Abbot Spurs let a three goal lead slip before only drawing 4-4 with Totnes and Dartington.

In one of only two games to escape the weather Town made light of the heavy conditions to reward the efforts of the ground staff to get the game on and to entertain the healthy crowd.

Whilst Town were quickly in their stride it was the visitors who had the first chance needing a header off the line by Adam Fowler to prevent a certain goal. On twenty two minutes Fowler was involved in the opening goal.

His measured pass sent Ace High free on the right who then did well to stay on his feet following a robust challenge and cross for Ben Shephard to sweep the ball home.

Town were now in complete control and were unlucky not to increase their lead following a typical driving run from Karl Rickard that resulted in one of a number of fine saves from the visiting ‘keeper.

He was powerless to stop Town’s second on forty two minutes Fowler shooting home from the edge of the box.

Town maintained their momentum at the start of the second half and increased their lead on fifty eight minutes. A cross from Lloyd Gardner was only half cleared and this time Chris Duchenski was on hand to fire home from twenty yards.

Alphington responded with a thirty yard shot of their own which cannoned back off the crossbar but normal service was quickly resumed. High and Phil Everett both had efforts blocked before they combined with Everett setting High free to bury his shot in the far corner.

This goal on seventy minutes was followed by the fifth six minutes later. Matt Dawson making a welcome return to the club wriggled past two defenders before shooting home. Alphington were handed a consolation goal when a penalty was awarded and duly converted.

This Saturday Town make the trip to Teignmouth, who on their day are capable of defeating any side in the league.

They have also suffered some surprise defeats so it will be interesting to see which side turns up and what players are available which may depend if other clubs are playing in higher leagues.