Exeter City 2 Burton Albion 0

Last updated : 24 February 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Exeter cruised to a comfortable victory with goals either side of half time.

The Grecians were good value for the three points after overpowering Burton.

Goals from Gareth Sheldon and Steve Flack were enough to secure victory for Exeter and with better finishing the scoreline could have been stretched further.

Burton had their moments but never really created enough in front of goal to trouble Exeter.

The Grecians started brightly and Chris Todd went close in the opening minutes after a half cleared corner.

Sheldon was always a threat for Exeter. He forced Matt Duke to make a fine save with a vicious drive from a tight angle after he was found by the lively Flack.

Flack then headed Alex Jeannin's corner over the bar as Exeter looked increasingly dangerous.

Sheldon pulled a shot across the face of goal before finally putting Exeter ahead three minutes before half time.

Jeannin's free kick was headed back across goal by Flack and Sheldon controlled the ball before drilling it into the bottom corner.

Earlier Burton had the best chances of the game when Jon Howard volleyed into the arms of the goalkeeper and Sam McMahon had a close range shot headed off the line by Santos Gaia.

Four minutes into the second half Exeter stretched the scoring.

Sheldon's deep cross appeared to be drifting into the top corner but Flack made sure with a glancing header to steer the ball home.

By now Exeter were well on top and enjoyed their best spell of the game.

Sean Devine and James Coppinger both went close with long range efforts.

Burton attempted to rally and in the closing stages Robbie Talbot volleyed over for the visitors from 10 yards but Exeter held on for a comfortable victory.