[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A brace by Owen Howe capped an excellent defensive performance by Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday afternoon, writes Jack Davies.
The two sides came into this game in very different form but Farm started like the side full of confidence. Returning George Fowler drove a shot that was blocked away before Owen Howe collected a clever free kick move and saw his own effort blocked wide.
Farm’s opener also owed a lot to their shoot-on-sight policy in the early going. Lloyd Mills sent a low drive goalwards and once Chris Wright had parried, Howe reacted first to make it 1-0.
Wright may not have been happy with his contribution to the goal but will have been happy with his next peice of work. Jake Gosling collected from Howe’s knock down and after evading three or four challenges, he let fly but saw his effort repelled by the flying Exmouth goalkeeper.
It took the visitors almost 45 minutes to get going but they could have levelled just before the break. Ben Steer found himself free inside the area and his close range volley was brilliantly saved by Ben John.
The Farm stopper would continue his fine afternoon in the second half, but even when he was beaten early in the half, Exmouth couldn’t celebrate. Ace High swept home Steer’s cross but the linesman had his flag raised.
High thought he levelled on the hour too but another fine John save denied him.
Steer was next to be denied as the minutes ticked away. The forward cut inside but once more, John was there to save.
The keeper and his defenders would get the reward for their hard work in added time. Marcus Day fired wide in the first attempt at a counter but on the second occasion he broke away, his dancing feet caused Riddell to bring the wide man down in the area. Owen Howe stepped up to smash home his second and wrap up all three points.
(STAR MAN – Ben John)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]