City's unbeaten record broken by local rivals

Exeter City’s unbeaten record in 2013 came to an end at the hands of local rivals Torquay United at St James Park as City lost 0-1 this evening (28th January).

An early penalty by Rene Howe set the Gulls on their way, as the visitors settled early. City pressed and pressed in the closing stages but an equaliser just wouldn’t materialise as the Gulls’ defence held out resolutely to claim the win.

Paul Tisdale made four changes to his starting line-up for the second in a double-header of Devon Derbies against Torquay United. Jimmy Keohane, Alan Gow and Matt Oakley all returned to the XI, whilst Mark Molesley was given a debut from kick-off. Guillem Bauza, Arron Davies and Kevin Amankwaah all took a seat on the bench, while John O’Flynn missed out completely after picking up a hamstring tear in his last outing. After serving his three-match suspension, Jamie Cureton returned to the fold by taking up one of the other seats in the dugout.

The opening sparring saw some neat football from City, and Gow escaped on the left flank to cross early for Molesley, but the debutant couldn’t quite meet the ball with his head. Moments later, the visitors – who had settled well – had a golden opportunity of their own when Joe Oastler crossed in from deep. Lee Mansell guided his header goalwards and it needed an acrobatic save from Artur Krysiak to keep the scores level. But it wasn’t long until Torquay were ahead, when Billy Bodin caused chaos in the left-hand channel. After escaping the attentions of Steve Tully, the midfielder was floored and won a penalty for his side. And just like at Plainmoor two weeks previous, Rene Howe stepped up and converted coolly.

The Gulls had certainly settled the better, but Exeter were occasionally showing an incisiveness that could have seen the scores levelled. Tisdale decided to change the complexion of the side on the hour mark by making a pair of changes. Molesley was withdrawn after a commendable debut for Bauza, whilst Tommy Doherty made way for Cureton – who came on for his 700th appearance in English football. Exeter looked much the more likely to score as the clock ran down, although Kevin Nicholson’s strike from the left-hand channel just squirmed past the near post. But Cureton was doing his utmost to find the equaliser and had two chances in quick succession. 

For the full match report click here.