League Play-Off

OLD TRAFFORD
Spectators: 34 (Terracing: 26, Seating: 8, VIP seats: 0) Dark clouds were building up when the players entered the field. None of the them looked very eager to play. Jonathan Buxton started the match with the kick off. Philip Fordham took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Will Maxell, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. When Exeter City's Jonathan Buxton in the 8th minute got a chance for a shot 8th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Ellesmere United's goalie prevented a goal. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Jonathan Buxton in the 9th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Philip Fordham saved Ellesmere United from getting behind. Will Maxell's late challenge caught a Ellesmere United's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Will Maxell helped the player get up and apologised. The supporters of Ellesmere United booed when Exeter City was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 13 match minutes in a wonderful position. Will Maxell didn't get a good kick on the ball. Mieszko Panikowski sent away a hard shot on goal in the 16th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. An unexpectedly hard shot by Phil Hill in the 21st minute of play forced Exeter City's goalkeeper Alastair Folan to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Ellesmere United's Philip Fordham played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Dane Bassett in the 22nd minute of play. Ellesmere United's Philip Fordham played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Will Maxell in the 24th minute of play. Philip Fordham showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Gregory Barat in the 25th minute of the match. Mieszko Panikowski struck a weak shot in the 26th minute. Alastair Folan didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Ellesmere United. The referee was alert and spotted a serious foul by Dane Bassett during the 27th minute. The player immediately received a yellow card. In the 27th match minute, Exeter City was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Dane Bassett to maneuver through the defense. Alastair Folan made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Phil Hill in the 28th minute of play. 31 minutes into the match, Exeter City's goal looked a bit too open when Phil Hill came free, but Alastair Folan reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. In the 36th minute Dane Bassett collided with an opponent which caused him a fractured collar bone. The referee was alert and spotted a serious foul by Syd Tandy during the 36th minute. The player immediately received a yellow card. The supporters of Exeter City booed when Ellesmere United was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 37 match minutes in a wonderful position. Syd Tandy didn't get a good kick on the ball. 40 minutes in the game, Phil Hill fired away an excellent shot, which passed to the side of the right post without Alastair Folan having to interfere. Ellesmere United's Mieszko Panikowski got a good chance for a goal in the 42nd minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. Phil Hill received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 43rd minute. Alastair Folan tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Jonathan Buxton kicked well hit freekick during the 44th minute of the match. The first half was very even, with the score at 0-0 when the whistle went for half-time. The players welcomed the break and quickly retired to the dressing rooms.

After 52nd play minutes Syd Tandy shot 1-0, a short shot which went by Alastair Folan and just under the crossbar into goal. Alastair Folan showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Mieszko Panikowski in the 55th minute of the match. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Phil Hill in the 56th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Alastair Folan prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Mieszko Panikowski sent away a hard shot on goal in the 57th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. In the 66th minute, Mieszko Panikowski left the goalkeeper for dead before tapping the ball into the right side of the net. The Ellesmere United fans were clearly happy with the effort and the scoreboard reflected the new score: 2-0. Phil Hill recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 76th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. Mieszko Panikowski sent away a hard shot on goal in the 78th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. After 85 played minutes Ellesmere United got a freekick which was hit by Phil Porter. Gregory Barat might have been able to make a better finish in the 92nd minute when he tried to place a hard shot over Philip Fordham. Instead the ball went over the crossbar and out. Gregory Barat ran back to his position shaking his head. The audience was convinced that Mieszko Panikowski's extremely hard shot when he got free in front of the goal was going in, but Alastair Folan was relentless in the 96th minute of the game. Ellesmere United's supporters were delighted with their team's performance and swarmed onto the pitch at the end of the match to celebrate the victory with the players.