Exeter City 3 Tamworth 2

Last updated : 01 November 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Exeter City turned on the style to earn their fifth straight league win in an entertaining game.

Two goals from Gareth Sheldon and a fine header from Glenn Cronin was enough to give Exeter another maximum despite replies from Richard Follett and Mark Cooper.

Exeter made the best possible start when they took the lead after just five minutes.

Scott Hiley whipped in a fine cross which was fumbled by Tamworth goalkeeper James Lindley and Sheldon rifled home a half-volley from ten yards.

Matt Fisher thumped a long-range shot in the arms of the home goalkeeper from 30 yards as the visitors chased an equaliser.

Exeter went close when Sean Devine met Barry McConnell's cross, but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Hiley then struck a shot just past the post after skipping past three players.

Tamworth pulled level midway through the half in bizarre of circumstances. Follett overhit a cross from 40 yards, but Exeter goalkeeper Martin Rice lost the flight of the ball and it drifted straight into the top corner.

McConnell's fine cross was met by Steve Flack and his powerful header was well saved by Lindley as Exeter attempted to respond.

After the break Exeter continued to press forward and Lindley was forced to turn Cronin's spectacular overhead kick over the bar.

Exeter were ahead eight minutes after the restart. McConnell's fine was met by Cronin and his header flew past Lindley from six yards.

They stretched the lead just after the hour mark when Sheldon drilled home his second of the game with a fine low strike from the edge of the box.

Three times Lindley stuck out an arm to deny Devine, before former City midfielder Cooper came off the bench to pull a goal back for Tamworth with a fine 25-yard strike.