Bowen's back. Review from the LDV win at Exeter.

Last updated : 13 November 2002 By Michael Morris
City made 11 changes to the starting line up from Saturday. The team lined up

Margetson
Green
Collins
Simpkins
Barker
Bonner
Legg
Bowen
Hamilton
Leo FW
Campbell.

On the subs bench were 5 of Saturdays starting XI, Alexander, Maxwell, Thorne, Boland and Gary Croft.

The first half was relatively tame, Exeter looked quite lively but offered next to nothing as far as goal chances were concerned. City tried to keep to neat passing and the main threat came from the ball over the Grecians back line for the advancing Andy Campbell. Once it was successful but the Exeter keeper made a superb double save from City's striker. Campbell again went close when he broke free in the box but his cross goal shot went inches wide.

The City rearguard were getting a bit of a battering from former Bluebird Steve Flack, Michael Simpkins coming worse off from one challenge when he needed the physio's attention for a few minutes.

Half time and City had had the best chance but it was hardly a classic.

I assume Lennie gave the players a kick up the backside at half time and told them to push on and take the game to Exeter. Only 4 mins into the second half and a neat through ball by Andy Legg found Jason Bowen clear, he cooly slotted home past Miller from a slight angle. City were looking comfortable and the game was all but won when Kwame Apmadu felled Mark Bonner on the hour and Andy Campbell scored from the penalty spot.

Exeter tried to get a chance at goal but efforts flew high and wide with Margetson hardly troubled.

Over a minute into the 2 mins shown for injury time at the end of the game came the move of the night, City kept good control of the ball on the right hand touchline, Jason Bowen cut through two defenders and scooped over the perfect cross from the by-line, Leo was waiting in the centre of the 6 yard box to score the easiest header he'll ever have. The goal was what Jason Bowen was all about. Tricky wing play with a clinical burst of speed and skill to get a clear chance of crossing the ball from a dangerous position.

Bowens contribution was a highlight for City, so was Mark Bonners tenacious display in midfield. It was great to see a full seond team on the pitch and no one let themselves down.

Ryan Green at right back did OK, Simpkins and Collins kept out the Grecian attack and Chris Barker we know is a quality player. In midfield Legg, Bonner and Hamilton all played with determination at times, Bonner I thought did really well for his first senior game of the season.

Campbell was unlucky not to score in the first half and took his penalty well. Leo was Leo.

The draw for round 3 is on the Soccer AM show on Saturday morning. The Southern section is down to the last 8.

The teams in the draw are

Cardiff
Wycombe
Bournemouth
Kidderminster
Cambridge
Brentford
Luton

and either Bristol City or Boston who play tonight.

The winners of the Southern section will play the winners of the Northern section at the Millennium Stadium for the LDV Vans Trophy.