The men in Amber entertained fellow out of form team Exeter City at the Abbey Stadium. The weather was cold with icy rain falling. It was the latest in a continuing saga of cold winter days. 5455 attended the game including a hardy 339 from the West Country who left Exeter around 0400, I take my hat off to you. I also had the pleasure of watching today’s game with two German football fans who follow FC Nurnberg (Nuremberg in English). Matthias and Andy were welcome visitors and were going to watch Cambridge City afterwards. Both sides had differing experiences on Tuesday, the U’s falling heavily at leaders Birmingham City. The visitors had much publicity with their tough FA cup tie with Nottingham Forest losing on penalties. The long evening would have tired them out….wouldn’t it.
The U’s made 3 changes with James Gibbons, Jordan Cousins and Josh Stokes returning. Exeter kicked off with United playing towards the south stand. It was cold, breezy and that icy rain was still falling. Francis of Exeter fired over following a disputed corner. United complaining that the ball was already out of play before being played back into play. Niskanen then fired over, shooting from outside the box. Referee Carl Brook appeared unsympathetic on the treatment of Dan Barton, his small frame seemingly a target for Exeter’s defenders. He was fouled a number of times before on about the fifth time, the assistant flagged and the referee not only awarded the foul he yellow carded Harper of Exeter for the latest in some crude challenges. Josh Stokes then crossed for Ryan Loft to have a clear sight of goal but he headed wide when it seemed easier to score. Josh Stokes was getting into the game more and was then fouled by MacDonald when he was in full flight and was booked.
Following a free kick from Stokes the ball pinged around in the Exeter box but Okedina shot wide when well placed. Again it should have been on target at least, if not a goal. Exeter keeper Joe Whitworth needed some attention for an apparent injury. It looked no more than cramp, unless he was making the most of it. United had a couple of corners which came to nothing and the referee blew for half time. The U’s should have been ahead if not by one goal then two.
Before the second half began, Exeter replaced Harper with Mitchell. No changes on the U’s bench. Loft gave away a free kick which Trevitt fired over for the visitors. To be honest the game was end to end but not really entertaining, probably because of two out of form teams and the heavy pitch with the rain now pouring down. United had a golden chance on 52 when keeper Whitworth slipped as hurriedly cleared the ball. The ball fell to Stokes on the edge of the box but he stumbled and fired over. It was another golden chance. A number of fouls broke up play with Watts next into the book for a foul on Cousins. It was a really important game, especially for the U’s but the passing of both sides was rather poor with Exeter happy to clear their lines but ready to attack when play developed for them. Following another free kick, Stokes played in a cross, headed on by Loft for Elias Kachunga to fire wide with the goal gaping.
In such a poor game, the U’s were being very wasteful. One can only wonder what the injured United players thought sat in the main stand. Kachunga had another effort saved by Whitworth after being set up by Cousins Exeter hanging on, but comfortably. The visitors replaced Trevitt and Francis with Cole and Woods on 65. James Brophy then set up Loft who fired over when perhaps he should have made the keeper work. United then replaced Brophy and Loft with new signings Stevenson and Ballard. Following a Stokes corner, skipper Morrison headed wide in the latest chance for the home team. Watts had a shot for the visitors which was well saved by Nathan Bishop who had had not much to do. Then as to be expected, when you don’t take your chances, Watts crossed to the far post for Maginnis to head past Bishop in to the opposite corner for 0-1. If nothing it was a lesson in finishing which would have jolted all those in the amber and black whether player or supporter.
United replaced Barton with Liam Bennett. Whitworth in the Exeter goal went down as if injured again. Referee Brook was having none of it and the keeper was soon back on his feet. In the meantime Yogane replaced Watts with, no surprise really, Whitworth OK to continue. James Gibbons set up Ballard but his shot was blocked. The minutes ticked onto 83 before Manny Longelo replaced Okedina and Njoku replaced Gibbons. Following a United corner, Cousins fired over the bar when well placed. Purrington then replaced Colwill for the visitors. In the 4th of 6 minutes added on, visiting keeper Whitworth was finally yellow carded for repeated timewasting. United tried and tried but they looked lost and Exeter were able to clear the poor attempts to get level. The referee blew for full time on 97. However skipper Morrison was yellow carded for some nonsense involving the Exeter goalkeeper.
In such an important game, the U’s did not respond to the importance of the game and lost, frankly, to a poor side who took just about their only chance. The loss of so many important players is really taking its toll, yet manager Garry Monk said that only Nlundulu and Sullay KaiKai may return soon. If the others are not available soon, of course it will be too late. Many United fans thought the worst at the end of the game with relegation looking certain now. It wasn’t easy to pick a star man but I will go for young Dan Barton given a rough time and little protection early on. He probably isn’t quite ready for first team football and would be an ideal impact player. It’s Stockport County at home next week and I trust it was the poor weather and Sky TV that kept 1000 or so fans away today. United’s support this season has been outstanding.