Ryan Bowman's late goal gives Exeter City opening day victory

Just as UK gambling sites predicted, Exeter City picked the first win of their 2019/20 campaign with a 1-0 win over Macclesfield Town on the opening day of the season.

It took until the 88thminute for the all-important goal to come, and it came from a Ryan Bowman finish which came from Nicky Law’s effort towards goal.

Manager Matt Taylor named the same side that started last week’s final pre-season match with Torquay United as three players made their competitive debuts in Lewis Ward, Tom Parkes and Nicky Ajose.

For much of the opening quarter of an hour there was little by the way of chance with both sides finding their way into the match. The Grecians’ threatened the Town goal on 14 minutes when Pierce Sweeney crossed well from the right after a throw-in, but Ryan Bowman’s header edged just over.

Nicky Ajose then had his first effort on 20 minutes when Jake Taylor burst into the box before the ball fell to the striker who curled an effort towards goal, but for Owen Evans to collect.

The away side then went close to going in front just a few minutes later when a free-kick caused havoc in the City box before the ball fell to Ben Stephens at the far post, forcing an excellent save from Lewis Ward.

Joe Ironside was then found in behind the City defence after good work from Town on the right, but after Tom Parkes got back well to narrow the angle, Ward collected the low shot comfortably.

Macclesfield continued to have the better of the chances as they went close just before the break when they broke down the right before Theodore Archibald saw his left footed effort blocked behind by Dean Moxey, as the sides went into half-time level.

For the comple match report click HERE