Exeter City ended pre-season with a 3-2 win over Truro City at Cliff Hill. Ryan Bowman’s brace and Matt Jay’s first half effort sealed victory for Matt Taylor’s side, who were almost punished by two Tyler Harvey goals – one in each half.
Taylor named a strong starting line up against the Cornish side and they started with some intensity. Jake Taylor’s whipped cross found the boot of Bowman, but former Grecian James Hamon produced a stunning save to prevent an early opener. Hamon was on hands again shortly after to deny Randell Williams, as he palmed away a fierce effort from the edge of the box.
City’s pressure paid as Matt Jay struck his second goal of the week as he latched on to Nicky Law’s pass to fire into the bottom corner to give his side the lead.
They continued to pile on the pressure but couldn’t find a second goal, and were punished. Truro eventually got a foothold in the match and after a nice passing move found an equaliser through the prolific Harvey. A fine run down the left saw the ball played into Harvey, who took a touch before placing the ball past Ward with a curled finished.
As the rain continued to lash down at Cliff Hill, the conditions made it difficult for both sides, neither of whom could find a lead before the break.
It didn’t take long after the restart for City to regain their lead, as Bowman emphatically beat Hamon with a fine finish. It was poor defending from Truro, who allowed Bowman plenty of space on the edge of the area and he made no mistake.
Nicky Law could have made it three for the Grecians when he did well to beat three men on the edge of the box, but his effort grazed the side netting after he was forced out wide before taking the shot. City then had a third ruled out for offside after some good build up play from Williams and Bowman.
There was then a huge double chance for City as Jake Taylor’s header hit the post, before Bowman’s follow up shot was brilliantly saved by Hamon, who had had a good game in the Truro net.
Truro found an equaliser with 15 minutes remaining as Harvey doubled his and the Cornish side’s tally. City failed to clear their lines in the penalty area and were made to pay when he stabbed home from close range.
City sealed victory at the death when Bowman rose to head in to an empty net after a fantastic cross into the area from Jack Sparkes.
The Grecians next fixture is on Saturday August 5 when they travel to face Bristol City in round one of the Carabao Cup.
Starting XI: Ward, Sweeney, McArdle, Hartridge, Trialist, Collins, Taylor ©, Wiliams, Jay, Law, Bowman.