City perplexed by West Exe loss

Central City fell to a 3-1 defeat at West Exe this morning in a game which City dominated in terms of possession and chances created and where they played some delightful football at times. It was a perplexing result which did not reflect the overall performance of the team.

The match had started so promisingly for City, Alfie W almost creating a goal out of nothing when charging down the keeper's clearance and then coming close to converting a Will P corner. Following some near interplay, Will P then had a shot which went narrowly wide. At the other end, Cameron had to be alert when making a fantastic last-ditch tackle with a West Exe forward bearing down on goal. With both Cameron and Will having great shots and Alfie wriggling past 3 defenders and seeing his shot cleared off the line, it only seemed a matter of time when City would score. However, it was the home team who opened the scoring, winning the ball on the edge of the City area and shooting into the corner.

City almost responded in perfect fashion, breaking at pace before Alfie W was brought down to win a free-kick which Cameron fired narrowly over the bar. City continued to apply the pressure and create numerous chances, notably when Dan headed just over from a corner and the keeper saving with Alfie W though on goal. At the break, it stayed 1-0 to West Exe.

The second half saw the home team almost extend their lead, Joe heading off the line from a well-delivered free kick. Moments later, Alfie W was put through on goal and this time he held his nerve to finish emphatically into the bottom corner and level the match at 1-1. With the momentum swinging in their favour, City continued to push forward and what followed turned out to be the defining moment of the match. Alfie W had a shot which squirmed under the keeper's body and appeared to cross the line before the keeper could fall on the ball in desperation. City players claimed the goal but the referee had been unsighted and couldn't be 100% sure the ball had crossed the line. Instead of going 2-1 up, City were soon behind. Despite making a fantastic double save, Will A was finally beaten by a shot from outside the area and one minute later, the home team extended their lead with a shot form distance beating the keeper.

At 3-1 down, City had no option but to push men forward to try and reduce the arrears. Alfie W dropped into defence, with Cameron pushing up into midfield and Dan playing up front. City fashioned a number of chances but on a day when nothing quite fell for the away team, there were no further goals. 

All in all, the defeat was harsh and on another day, Central City would have come away with a positive result and the goals which their overall play merited. Man of the Match went to Ryan for making several great runs and for tracking back to help out with the defence. Well done Ryan!