Cambridge United vs Exeter City

United line-up: Barrett, Chenery (Marc Joseph 77'), Wilson, Ashbee, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Benjamin, Taylor, Butler, Beall.
Subs not used: Kyd, Rees.
Ref: J A Kirkby (Sheffield).

[Terry Wilby's match report] [My summary of media reports]

Terry Wilby's match report:
How Exeter (and Hartlepool from last week as well) are up near the top is beyond me. Exeter had no idea on going forward, they seemed content to defend without trying anything on the break. It must have been one of Scott Barrett's easiest games. Their 'keeper looked all of 16 years old, and shorter than Barrett. I assume it was not their normal 'keeper.

After 15 minutes we took the lead with a Shaggy glancing header from a corner. A couple of minutes later Exeter equalised, a corner half cleared was lobbed back into the penalty area, someone got a touch which looped it towards our left hand post where Barrett made a hash of saving the bobbling ball and it ended up in the net. It should have been saved. Towards half time Butler was put through, from about 15 yards his shot beat the keeper, hit the far post and rebounded along the line and was cleared.

The second half was all United. Ashbee got a knock and was replaced by Marc Joseph midway through the half. Their 'keeper struggled with any high balls, but kept them out all the same. 10 minutes from the end a long ball from Marc Joseph was headed on by Benjamin to Shaggy, who beat the defender and shot, the ball was half saved by the 'keeper, but it went into the net all the same despite an attempt to make a goal-line clearance by a defender.

We made a number of half chances or better, but through poor finishing or defenders having a lot of luck we didn't score.

We looked solid in defence and midfield, Beall MoM again. I think you can count on the fingers of one hand how many of his passes went astray. I think Benjamin may need a rest, all these games are taking a toll on him. In the first half He and Shaggy seemed to be too far apart, they got closer in the second and were able to feed off each other. Butler I thought did fairly well just behind the front two, other fans seemed not to think so, although I think it was because the "Boo Boys" had no-one else to moan about.

Once again a game we should have won by more.

Ratings: Barrett 5, Chenery 6, Wilson 6, Ashbee 6 (Joseph 6), Foster 6, Campbell 7, Wanless 6, Benjamin 6, Taylor 7, Butler 6, Beall 8 (MoM).

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My summary of media reports:
Despite an training injury earlier this week and fears that he would miss tonight's match, Paul Wanless passed a late fitness test and took his place in the starting eleven. The only change to the team that started against Stevenage Borough last weekend was Martin Butler replacing Michael Kyd, who has suffered with a groin strain this week. He joined Jason Rees and Marc Joseph on the bench.

United had the best of the possession throughout this match, with Wanless and 'Billy' Beall on top in midfield. The U's took a welcome early lead through John Taylor when the visitors left Shaggy unmarked at a 16th minute corner and the big striker headed home Paul Wilson's cross. However a defensive lapse at the other end saw United gift the Grecians their equaliser when three minutes later the defence let Noel Blake scramble the ball inside the post after a corner.

Third-placed Exeter City were disappointing tonight, showing none of the form that has brought them five away wins this season. They have never been out of the top five this season but they were reduced to pulling everybody back behind the ball in an attempt to hang on for a point.

United continued to enjoy the majority of possession in the second half, but seemed to lack the guile or imagination to capitalise. One exception was Trevor Benjamin's ball to 'Billy' Beall but the young midfielder's shot from the edge of the box was blocked. At the back United were barely threatened and Gale's speculative shot was easily collected by Barrett.

The game seemed to be winding down for a draw when United's pressure allowed the inspirational Taylor (left) to strike ten minutes from time. He was rewarded for some persistent play when he broke through the middle, beat a defender and chipped over the advancing 'keeper from 12 yards out to send the supporters home happy. Taylor went close to other goals, having a header saved and firing wide, but a 30-yard shot from Mark Devlin was all Scott Barrett had to deal with.

This was United's last home game before Christmas and the victory continues the improved form of late. In the last six games United have won three, after going three months and 14 games without a win.

Many thanks to Terry for his report and ratings.

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