Sixth Form Football Development Programme – Match Report
Exeter City 3-0 Crystal Palace
On Wednesday 9th October, Exeter faced London opposition Crystal Palace in their first EFL cup group game of the season. Overall, it was a far from convincing performance but 3 second half goals, two in quick succession saw us run out 3-0 winners and bag our first three points of the group.
The first half had limited chances for either side with Exeter having the best of a limited amount of chances in the latter stages of the first half. Keoni Mole had the best chance of the half after an excellent over the top through ball from Christian Solway, but unfortunately was unable to convert from close range in a 1v1 situation. We dominated possession in the first half, with Palace rarely being able to keep possession. However, poor marking from a dead ball situation left two Palace players unmarked in the box and should have punished Exeter. Exeter had another chance through a great strike from John Agpoon from 25 yards out which smashed against the post. Another dead ball situation led to trouble for Exeter as keeper Luke Snell saw a shot crash against his crossbar, to the misfortune of the Palace midfielder after an excellent strike. Exeter were becoming frustrated having lack of conviction and composure in front of goal, ultimately costing us not being able to take the lead before half time.
The second half was a far more open and expansive with both teams throwing men forward to win the match. The difference in the second half was ultimately our composure in front of goal as we made it 1-0 through a powerful strike from Keoni Mole after a good through ball from John Agpoon. Exeter became extremely dominant in the final proceedings and scored two goals in quick succession, both through Elliot Cole. His first goal was a header range after excellent work from Joe Morgan and Brooklyn “99” Cole, with Brooklyn crossing accurately for Elliot to convert. Our third goal was a great counter with Keoni Mole playing a through ball and splitting the Palace defence for Elliot to bag his second of the game and neatly slot home from 15 yards out. Palace, however, did still threaten to ruin Luke Snell’s first clean sheet of the season after they hit the crossbar for the second time in the match from yet another dead ball situation. This was testament to Exeter gifting cheap free-kicks away throughout the match, providing Palace with multiple opportunities to score, but failing to convert.
Overall, a dominating display and a good win but with improvements to be made working ahead towards a tough game against top of the league Newport County next week…
Report submitted by Y13 student.
