Match report: Exeter City 0 Cheltenham Town 0

Exeter City had the better of the game at St James Park but ultimately couldn’t force a way through a resolute Cheltenham Town defence as the game ended goalless on Saturday afternoon.

Grecians’ boss Matt Taylor made two changes to the side that started in the FA Cup match last weekend in Cambridge, as Craig Woodman and Tom Parkes were replaced by Dean Moxey, who captained the side, and Jack Sparkes.

It was a tight opening period to the game, interspersed with moments of real quality – Alex Fisher’s close control to beat two Cheltenham players perhaps the most impressive – but one devoid of any real chances; though City won several corners, they were defended strongly by the visitors.

Ryan Bowman had the first real opportunity of the game after 19 minutes, as Fisher’s strength allowed the ball to flow forwards, but the eventual shot on the half-volley rolled narrowly wide of Scott Flinders’ right-hand post.

Jack Sparkes’ cross-cum-shot three minutes later stung the palms of the Cheltenham goalkeeper, but ultimately to no avail for City who couldn’t pounce on the loose ball. Jonny Maxted was then called into action for the first time, smothering Chris Hussey’s cross just as Gavin Reilly looked to shoot.

City then had a great chance to go ahead as Randell Williams stole the ball deep down the Cheltenham left-hand side, but his early pass looking for Fisher was cut out by Flinders and the visitors were let off the hook.

The visitors’ goalkeeper was called into action again towards the end of the half, as Jack Sparkes’ driven cross was met by Pierce Sweeney on 42 minutes, but Flinders did well to hold on as the ball was diverted goalwards.

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