Exeter City 1 Barnet 0

Report by Ross Reid 

Saturday 19 September 1998.

Referee: M Fletcher

Att: 2523

DARRAN Rowbotham, so often the hero of City's Fans, struck an njury-time winner to finally beat Barnet goalkeeper Lee Harrison. Harrison had pulled off five fantastic saves including three from Rowbotham as the game seemed des- tined to end in a goalless draw. But Rowbotham, who had already got his sights in during the early stages of the match, looped a header over the Bees keeper after Graeme Power's high ball to the far post. Rowbotham celebrated in style as the Bees' defence finally conceded. The Welsh striker was on fire and there was still time for him to play in a fine cross to substitute Glen Crowe at the far post. Crowe met the cross with a first time side-foot volley that went just over which brought roars of approval from City fans still celebrat- ing Rowbotham's goal. In the 32nd minute, Rowbotham's starting strike partner, Barry McConnell, teed him up and his first time strike with the outside of his right foot forced a brilliant save by Harrison. It was the first strike of an absorbing en- counter between the City striker and the Bees' number one. The next clash of swords came in the 39th minute after yet more good work by City's Geoff Breslan whose through ball was picked up by Rowbotham, who again let fly from the edge of the box. This time Harrison denied him with a diving save to the right. The next time Harri- son denied City's number nine was in the 67th minute. Rowbotham pounced like a viper on Sam Stockley's air shot and drove towards goal. Once again he gave the ball a good whack and once again Harrison was equal to it. In the 70th minute Harrison turned his at- tentions to denying Breslan. Rowbotham's cross from wide on the right was nodded down by substitute Steve Flack into Breslan's path. His first-time right foot shot had 'goal' written all over it until the Barnet keeper made a breathtaking low stop. If that was not enough with time ticking away Harrison had the audacity to pull another save out of the top drawer to sensationally deny Chris Fry in the 87th minute after he let fly with a scorching drive. When Barnet did threaten, and it was rare given the work being put in by City's defence and midfield, they lacked a finish. With two minutes to go however midfield powerhouse Jason Rees made a brilliant tackle to deny Scott McGleish.

Exeter City 
Bayes. Gale. Power. Fry. Richardson. Gittens Rowbotham. Rees. McConnell Holloway. Breslan.
Substitutes: Flack (for McConnell 46 min) Crowe(for Holloway, 63 mins), Not used: Baddeley.

Barnet: Harrison, Stockley, Harle, Onwere, Alsford, Arber, Searle, Doolan, Charlery, McGleish, Currie. Subs not used: Devine, Manuel, Sawyers.

Scorers:
Exeter - Rowbotham, 90 minutes.

Bookings: None,

Referee: Mick Fletcher (Warley)

Attendance: 2,523.