The EUAFC first team spurned the chance to get their BUCS Western 1A campaign off to a winning start, surrendering an early 2-0 lead to draw 3-3 against Swansea. It could however have been far worse for Jesse Wilson’s green army, who had to rely on a late Toby Yeates strike to avoid defeat.
The game began slowly with neither side being able to dictate the early play at a windy Topsham but it was sparked into life when Tom Mile pounced on a poor defensive clearance and casually slotted the ball into the top corner in fine style.
Swansea appeared flustered by the goal and Exeter began to take the upper hand with Myles Blenkinsop looking particularly bright. The striker was proving a thorn in the Swansea defence and was unlucky to be denied by a quality save from the Swansea keeper.
His efforts were rewarded with a goal moments later however, after fantastic work down the right wing from Josh Higgins gave him a tap in to double the lead.
Exeter were in control, with Louis Bouwers dominant in the air and the Higgins-Blenkinsop combination striking fear into the opposition’s defence. It seemed Exeter could run away with the game but a defensive lapse allowed Swansea’s striker to get in behind all too easily and slot home a pivotal goal that gave them a foothold back in the game against the run of play.
The avoidance of clichés aside, it was clear the next goal would be crucial and Toby Yeates had a golden opportunity to restore Exeter’s two goal lead just before the break but unfortunately was unable to beat the keeper. The half ended with the scores at 2-1, which perhaps flattered the visitors as Exeter had been dominant.
The Swansea coach kept his players on the pitch at half time and gave a stirring speech that even had me inspired – it was Churchill-esque, albeit with a strong Welsh lilt! His words clearly had an effect as a different Swansea came out for the second half.
Exeter on the other hand, didn’t seem at the races and began giving the ball away at ease. Swansea upped the tempo and began to create chances, hitting the post and narrowly missing on a couple of occasions. The inevitable breakthrough came after a deflected goal crept into the corner and the game was all square.
Minutes later, Swansea were awarded a penalty after a mistimed challenge. After it was duly put away, Swansea were 3-2 up and the comeback was complete.
Captain Wilson attempted to rally the troops and it steadily seemed to do the job ,with Exeter retaining the ball with increased consistency. Bouwers hit some faultless cross field passes out from the back whilst Yeates began to get on the ball more and control the play.
With time running out, Exeter switched to three at the back and went for the jugular. The gamble paid off, with Yeates’ classy finish giving them the equaliser with less than ten minutes to go.
Both teams had half chances to seal the win but the dramatic game came to a finish with the scores level, probably a fair result with both sides enjoying periods of dominance but neither consistently being on top.
A downhearted Wilson reflected on the draw afterwards, saying: “We were extremely disappointed with the result and performance. After going 2-0 up we should have finished the game off but we were second rate in all departments. Definitely two points dropped, rather than one gained.”
Wilson and his teammates will hope for three points in their next BUCS game next week away to UWE.
Freddie Turner, Sports Team
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