Ryan Bowman gives Exeter victory over fellow promotion chasers Forest Green

Posted Sunday, October 13, 2019 by PA

Exeter City kept up with the pace at the top of League Two with a narrow 1-0 win over previous leaders Forest Green Rovers at St James Park.

Rovers overtook the Grecians at the summit last week after beating Crawley Town, but their stay was brief as Ryan Bowman’s goal was all that separated the two teams.

Exeter made a fantastic start to the game and won five corners inside the opening seven minutes, but they failed to make them count.

However, the opening goal was not long in coming and it duly arrived on 11 minutes. Jack Sparkes showed terrific trickery on the left and delivered a superb low cross which found Bowman at the near post and he volleyed past Lewis Thomas to put the Grecians in front with his fifth goal of the campaign.

Aaron Martin came to Exeter’s rescue with a brilliant block to deny Jack Aitchison, while Nicky Law should have done better for Exeter, who countered quickly, but his lob drifted harmlessly over the crossbar.

Rovers had a glorious chance to equalise when Aaron Collins had a free header six yards out, but he was denied by a sensational diving save by Exeter goalkeeper Jonny Maxted.

That was as good as it got for Rovers, with Exeter seeing the game out well to sit level on points with leaders Crewe.