Perryman sees Exeter cruise in. Exmouth are outplayed in Luke's clash

Exmouth 1-3 Exeter City 

31st January 2001

BY Nick Beer Football Reporter

HOT prospect Jamie Mudge was on the scoresheet as Exeter cruised to a 3-1 Devon St Luke's Bowl victory over Exmouth Town last night. City's technical assistant, Steve Perryman, was among a sparse crowd at Southern Road who saw a strong Grecians side comprehensively outplay their Screwfix Direct Western League opponents. John Wilkinson supplied a pinpoint cross for fellow wingback Barry McConnell to nod City into a second minute lead. Exeter restricted their hosts to a long-range Spencer West effort in the first-half, while Geoff Breslan and Alex Inglethorpe both went close for the visitors. City doubled their advantage soon after the break when a looping Mudge header found the net via the far post. A Breslan 25-yarder was claimed at the second attempt by Exmouth goalkeeper Simon Harris and Graeme Tomlinson controlled superbly before stabbing a foot wide. Substitute City striker Rob Speakman then headed wide following a typically surging run down the left flank by the excellent Wilkinson. But Exmouth pulled a goal back five minutes from time when Jon Ashton handled inside the Exeter box, former Grecian Richard Pears converting effortlessly from the spot. Pears was then given a glaring chance to haul the home side back on terms, but his volley flew well wide of the target. Speakman wrapped up victory in the dying moments with a crisp volley from Breslan's chipped cross. "It wasn't a good pitch and so it was difficult to judge the perform- ance," reflected Exeter boss Noel Blake. "But John Wilkinson did smashing and Barry McConnell also did well."

EXMOUTH: Harris, D Burwood, S Burwood, Wilson, Taylor, Moore, May, Roddick, West, Pears, Alfresi.

EXETER: Hallam, McConnell, Ashton, Holloway, Burrows, Wilkinson, Zabek, Tomlinson, Mudge, Breslan.