WILKINSON PUTS TIGERS TO THE SWORD

Exeter City 3 Hull City 0.
by Ed Hogg at St James Park

Tuesday 20 October 1998.

Referee: W Jordan

Att: 2101

SUPERSUB John Wilkinson shrugged off his personal troubles to inspire Exeter City to their biggest win of the Division 3 season. And the rookie winger earned a glowing tribute from proud boss Peter Fox. Wilkinson smashed a brilliant first Football League goal to kickstart City's recovery to draw 2-2 with week- end guests Scunthorpe. But the 19-year-old's joy at that milestone in his fledgling career was tempered by the death of his father just 24 hours later. However, Wilkinson was back in senior action again last night-climbing off the bench to underline his mouthwatering potential with another sparkling display in a 3-0 romp past struggling Hull, It was Wilkinson's precise delivery that enabled fellow substitute Barry McConnell to break the deadlock, barely five minutes after the duo had entered the fray. And 60 seconds later another teasing Wilkinson cross fashioned the chance for Jon Richardson to make it 2-0. "I can't speak too highly of John (Wilkinson)," admitted Fox. "In the past few days he's experienced the ups and downs of life, let alone football. "What John has gone through has obviously been very upsetting. "I think it's been good for him to be among the other lads in the dressing room. The players were absolutely delighted for him that he did so well again." Wilkinson's introduction provided the spark required to finally expose Hull's defensive frailty. City had dominated and created a string of chances - particularly in a ferocious spell immediately after the break. But the Tigers, who had halted their 12- month search for an away win at Scarborough on Saturday, kept the hosts at bay. Visiting goalkeeper Steve Wilson plunged to his left to keep out Steve Flack's header inside the opening two minutes. And Flack, Darran Rowbotham and Geoff Breslan all had shots blocked as Hull weathered an early onslaught. Jon Gittens almost capitalised when Wilson flapped unconvincingly at Breslan's 11th minute corner, Chris Fry was only denied by Neil Mann's last-ditch tackle and Rowbotham again went close. Mark Hateley's side- with the player- manager and former England hitman almost anonymous - finally mounted a meaningful attack midway through the opening period. But Lee Baddeley reacted superbly to snuff out the danger when Ashley Bayes spilled Richard Peacock's long-range drive. Bayes then redeemed himself by foiling David D'Auria and Exeter were immediately back on the offensive. Neil Whitworth bravely blocked Breslan's goal-bound volley. Rowbotham then uncharacteristically squandered a marvellous 29th minute chance heading over from an inch-perfect Jason Rees free-kick after the industrious Richardson had been tripped. Graeme Power then tested Wilson from distance, Fry saw the goalkeeper smother his close-range header and Rowbotham smashed over from 25 yards. The interval failed to interrupt the tide. Wilson sprawled to his left to clutch Fry's 46th minute effort and bravely denied Flack after excellent Rowbotham spadework. Dazza swivelled to fire narrowly wide before Wilson parried another Fry shot - Breslan miskicking from the rebound and allowing Peacock to block. Wilson was in trouble again from the resulting Breslan corner. He dropped Flack's far-post header and the bustling striker's follow-up was deflected over. Fox reacted by sending on Wilkinson and McConnell - City's two-goal inspiration in a 3-0 victory against the Tigers six months earlier. And Wilkinson promptly created the opportunity for McConnell to nod Exeter ahead. Richardson immediately doubled the deficit, lashing his fourth goal of the term after Whitworth could only partially clear the next Wilkinson cross. Bayes preserved his fifth clean sheet in eight home league outings by brilliantly fingertipping Dave Brown's venomous volley to safety. And City's stunning spell was complete when Rowbotham cut inside to send a delicious left-foot curler past the shellshocked Wilson from 25 yards.