Exeter St Thomas Res 2
Northlew 2
NORTHLEW had the best start possible taking the lead in the third minute through Simon Page after good work by new signing Sam Lillicrap. From then on it was all St Thomas pressure.
Northlew rode their luck for 40 minutes, then against the run of play Nick Smith clipped the ball over the keeper's head after a clever pass from Page.
Just before half-time Northlew's luck ran out when the home side scored to make it 2-1.
The second half saw Exeter go all out for the equaliser, forcing corners, two of which Adam Dredge cleared off the line. Northlew's centre backs Steve Squire and Pete Down were kept busy, but stuck to their task well.
In the 70th minute St Thomas got the break they deserved, with a long shot hitting the Northlew crossbar — with no defenders following up, the unmarked striker smashed it passed Carl Downs in the Northlew goal.
Both sides were trying for the winner but it was Carl Downs who kept Northlew in the match with some fantastic saves.
In the dying minutes Northlew thought they should have won a penalty when Simon Squire was up ended in the box but the referee thought otherwise.
Man of the match: Carl Downs.
Next match away to Exmouth Town Reserves on Saturday.