Sometimes there are parallels between matches: Last week at Oxford the away team were better in the first half, then the home team were better in the second half and won with a very late winner.
This weekCUFC U’s were very poor in the first half, but turned it around in the second, and won with a late goal. What goes around comes around!
It is too hot. or too cold, or too dry, or too wet, or the wrong type of snow……the weather is never right for us Brits! I filled my insulated cup with Ice and took 2 bottles of water from the ‘fridge with me to the game to ensure I was hydrated while selling programmes and 50/50 tickets, the ice lasted well into the second half!
U’s started pretty well, and made a couple of good chances attacking the NRE in the first half. Ironside’s shot on the turn was blocked and Digby’s follow up was straight at the giant Exeter keeper Blackman. Soon after a quick free kick set Smith free for a run on goal but was denied by Blackman. Despite these chances there were far too many misplaced U’s passes that gave possession away or went straight into touch, and we looked a little slow.
Exeter were playing the ball around nicely at times, and looked to break very quickly, either running with the ball at the U’s defence, or playing the ball over the top. Brown had a shot go just wide, then another shot from Nombe hit the bar before going behind
They scored from a long ball which jones was trying to shield out of play but was pushed over to allow a cut back to Jevani Brown to sidefoot home from a few yards out. No foul given so 1-0 to Exeter.
The referee seemed happy to let a lot of challenges go unpunished, and I assume he nor his assistants spotted the “fore-arm smash” on Joe Ironside when the ball was nowhere near! On the other hand he didn’t think a coming together between Okadina and an Exeter forward running through needed a decision, despite the loud shouts from the Exeter fans and their manager!
The second half was much better from U’s, quicker passing to each other, and a good cross from Williams was headed in by Smith for the equaliser.
A bunch of U’s substitutions, and Tracey immediately looked dangerous, and it was from some good interplay involving Tracey, Haunstrup then Lankester crossing for Digby to head across the keeper and into the net.
The last few minutes with an unknown amount of added time was around U’s penalty box as Exeter used their long throw, with huge keeper Blackman making a nuisance too, but U’s held firm to keep the 100% home record, and hear Coconuts!
Winning 50/50 ticket was 87304. I got the first 2 digits correct!
Someone asked me about the winning number for the Norwich match, I’m told it was 67598.
Terry Wilby