Recap

With victory over Dench last week, The Veterans had put themselves into the unlikely position of promotion candidates this season, having struggled to survive last time around. This week was a potentially tricky clash with Exeter Gently, who ended up being able to put as strong team out on the pitch for the second week in a row.

It was The Vets who struck first as Ben Mercer gave them the lead on 4 minutes, but two goals in three minutes from Mike Belshaw and Tom Harrison turned this one in Exeter’s favour approaching the mid way point of the half. An own goal drew The Vets level before two goals in a minute from Sam Wharton and Simon Grainger meant we approached the break at 3-3. A flurry of goals in the final 7 minutes of the half put Exeter in control going into the break, Wharton with another two, Belshaw and Maison Owen the others.

Grainger’s second of the game 5 minutes into the second half reduced the Exeter lead to three, but as we headed towards the final 10 minutes Exeter still looked in comfortable control. An own goal 12 minutes from time was the catalyst for a Veterans comeback, as Dean Minshull and Paul Atherton scored to make it 7-7 with 8 minutes remaining, but they were only level for a minute as Wharton scored again to restore the Exeter lead. The same player scored his 5th of the game three minutes later to confirm the Exeter win, a victory that leaves them a point off second place with games in hand on the other teams. They join The Veterans on 6 points as they drop a place to 4th.