Forest Green 26/01/08

D 1-1

Attendance: 2325

Match Day Report by Kirstie Bowden

Our trip to Nailsworth to play Forest Green Rovers marked the first game in the post-Mackie era, a suitably ironic place to go given the second name of the team. Jamie is a player with ability we've all seen on countless occasions and no one can suggest he didn't deserve the move. However his ill-advised comments made to the local newspaper engendered a sense of disappointment in many City supporters, especially those who supported him from the very beginning of his Exeter career. His comments and resultant hasty exit meant that he robbed himself of the sending-off from Exeter his enthusiasm, hard work and goals deserved. Regardless of this, being a long term fan of his I wish him well at Plymouth and hope that he manages to break into their first team one day. Despite the numerous and somewhat unique suggestions given to me to 'adapt' my Mackie shirt, I've decided to retire it in its current format. Who knows, it may be worth a lot of money one day!

We arrived at Forest Green over 2 hours before kick off. We can only assume that the bus left Exeter so early to ensure it would manage to scale the mountain that Forest Green is perched on top of. Nearing the top of the hill we passed the 'Forest Rise' housing development built on the site of Forest Greens old ground which was a firm favourite of many supporters. Walking around the ground we found ways of watching the match without paying such as peering through the many holes in the fence or climbing the bank and looking over the fence. Although there was great potential we settled with the paying option and went inside. In scenes reminiscent of our trip to Plainmoor, a message came over the tannoy stating "Can the electrician please go the west refreshment hut", quickly followed by our chants of "Are you Torquay in disguise?". For reasons best known to themselves, some Forest Green stewards came and closed off the section of the terrace closest to the changing rooms using 'Police - do not cross' tape.

The game commenced with irritating chants of "Where's your Mackie gone?" from the home fans, followed by a variety of songs dedicated to Conference top scorer Stuart Fleetwood who, unlike Jamie, had turned down a move up the football pyramid in the week. Although we took the lead in the 16th minute through Wayne Carlisle, we went in 1-1 at half time a score, in part, reflective of a series of dubious decisions by the three amigos in the black who left the pitch amidst deafening booing. When Jim Harvey arrived back on the pitch for the second half we asked him what he thought of the ref, to which he replied "Rubbish, as they are every week". Sadly they didn't get any better and the decisions became more and more incomprehensible. Home and away supporters were united at one point to sing a song of disapproval dedicated to the referee which is best left unrepeated. The tannoy announcer was also getting in on the act, announcing that "I have an emergency announcement" followed immediately by "cancel it, it's already happening". Nothing became of his cryptic announcement and the match ended a draw. Whilst City left the pitch amidst scenes of reciprocal appreciation the officials left rather sheepishly under heavy steward escort, hopefully heading straight home to reacquaint themselves with the rules of football.