Stockport 2 City 2

Fanzine Report by Tony Biel

John Hodge had a happy return to his native North-West as the Liverpool born player hit a two goal salvo to lift Exeter's spirits. He has a habit of scoring goals against County, yet it could have been so different if Stockport had taken the chances early on. Chief culprit was Kevin 'The Tree' Francis, at 6ft 7in the tallest player in the league, who was guilty of some very bad misses. Exeter held their own though, and were unlucky with the few chances that came their way - either just wide or saved well by 'keeper Edwards. But in the 34th minute City struck lucky. A cross from Cookie was met by Hodge who looped a firm header over the stretching keeper. Jepson then went close with a shot that just went over the bar and another which went narrowly wide on the half time whistle.

Stockport had the better of the early exchanges in the second half, so it was no surprise when they levelled after City failed to clear a corner, Finley firing home through a ruck of players. Shortly afterwards, Exeter brought on Collins for Cook and the team began to play more fluently, but still couldn't break down the resolute Stockport defence.

City only had themselves to blame when County took the lead, trying to play the offside trap and failing, leaving Miller exposed. As he tried to punch clear the ball cannoned off him and behind as it headed towards the empty net., Gannon just beat the chasing defender, toe poking the ball over the line just as we thought we had a point.

We only had to wait two minutes though to see the situation resolved. Eamonn Collins, in space on the right hand side, set up Hodge with only the 'keeper to beat, and the scouser calmly shot past the stranded Edwards. We held on grimly for the final seven minutes with only some good saves from Miller and a couple of goal line clearances keeping City in the game. If it hadn't been for those glaring misses by 'The Tree' it could all have been so different.