Exeter City back to winning ways on the road

Exeter City got back to winning ways on the road with a brilliant 2-0 win over promotion-hopefuls Port Vale.

A poacher’s goal early in the tie by Jamie Cureton (pictured) gave City an ideal start, and Danny Coles pounced to extend the lead after the half-hour mark.

Mark Molesley’s dismissal late on the game meant City had to hold out for the victory, but resolute defending meant the 135 travelling Grecians made the journey back to Devon satisfied.

Jimmy Keohane didn’t make the 18-man squad for the trip to Port Vale due to injury, meaning that Matt Oakley was recalled into the starting line-up.  Aaron Dawson filled the space on the bench, and Artur Krysiak returned to the fold with Rhys Evans being named amongst the substitutes.

Former Grecian Richard Duffy filled the right-back slot for Port Vale, lining up alongside former Plymouth Argyle centre-half Darren Purse.  The division’s top scorer Tom Pope led a two-man attack alongside Calvin Andrew, with winter window signing Lee Hughes only amongst the subs on his return from illness.

After a seemingly nervous start, City began to get the better of the play and won their first corner after Arron Davies’ saw his shot deflected wide, after cutting inside from the left flank.

It sparked a series of corner-kicks in City’s favour, which Matt Oakley and Craig Woodman delivered dangerously – one of Oakley’s teasers needing a vital header by Calvin Andrew to turn away.

And it wasn’t long before the Grecians’ patient play was converted into a lead, as Cureton netted his 19th of the season and took a step closer towards reeling in Pope for the Golden Boot award.

For the full report go to: http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/?matchid=351...