MATCH REPORT

DEVON & EXETER LEAGUE, SENIOR ONE

SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2007

EXETER ST THOMAS  2

v

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON 4

Budleigh had new signing Darren Fardoe making his debut in goal, and put in a very good all round team display.  From the first whistle they played slick passing football and should really have taken one of several early chances.  Scott Howarth got the break through after good work from Carl Everest had released Scott Thornhill and his fine cross found Howarth who made no mistake with a powerful shot.

After a heated half time team talk Budleigh came out looking to seal the victory and Ian Mortimore's long free kick gave the keeper no chance as it crept inside the post.  Skipper Carl Everest made it three with a sweetly struck drive before more good work from Craig Higham found Thornhill whose fierce shot was blocked only for Simon Rose to lash home.   With twenty minutes still remaining Budleigh used all three subs and lost a bit of shape as the hosts popped up with two goals in the last five minutes.  On the whole St Thomas were well beaton.  In defence Rich Higham, White, Knight and Bradshaw had solid games but it was Everest whose quality display earned him man of the match.  With three players returning next week selection will be very hard and Budleigh are on their travels again, this time to near neighbours East Budleigh with a 3pm kick off.

Report by Alex Freer