Exeter City 3 Shrewsbury Town 2

Last updated : 25 November 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Exeter maintained their unbeaten home record with a hard-fought victory over promotion rivals Shrewsbury in an entertaining game.

Exeter were coasting at half time after going two goals up but were forced to work hard in a nailbiting finish.

The Grecians started brightly and Gareth Sheldon tested the goalkeeper with a strike from 30 yards in the opening stages.

Shrewsbury's best early moment came when Colin Cramb attempted to lob the keeper, but saw his shot fly past the post.

The game opened up as the half wore on. Sean Devine went close for Exeter when he headed Barry McConnell's cross past the post.

The game burst into life on the half hour mark. Exeter took the lead when Sheldon's cross was powerfully headed home by James Coppinger.

Devine then struck a post and Darren Tinson's own goal was ruled out for offside as Exeter took control of the game.

On the stroke of half time they made it to when McConnell latched on to a half cleared corner and struck the ball home from 12 yards.

After the break Santos Gaia went close for Exeter when he just failed to bundle home Alex Jeannin's corner.

Substitute Luke Rodgers pulled a goal back for the Shrews midway through the half with a fine strike from 15 yards.

Then Exeter stretched the lead again after Coppinger was brought down inside the box by Tinson and Devine stroked the resulting penalty.

In the dying stages James struck a post for Exeter and David Ridler did the same for Shrewsbury.

Deep into injury time Cramb scored from close range for the visitors in what proved to be the last kick of the game.

Despite their spirited fightback Shrewsbury were always chasing the game and Exeter were good value for the victory.