Basham boosts Exeter promotion bid

A low drive from Steve Basham that crept into the corner of the Stevenage Borough net gave Exeter City a priceless 1-0 victory on Saturday in a crucial Blue Square Premier match.

With Aldershot Town within touching distance of the title, the race is on for a spot in the play-offs. Five clubs have a realistic chance of the four places on offer — Burton Albion, Torquay United, Cambridge United, Stevenage and Exeter — but, blighted by faltering form, all five seem reluctant to grasp the prize.

Exeter and Stevenage went in to Saturday’s evening kick-off in third and sixth places respectively, armed with the knowledge that Burton and Torquay had lost at home. But despite that boost, neither side accepted the challenge.

For most of the match the visiting team were in control, with their patient, passing style making for a pleasing contrast to Stevenage’s hit-and-hope approach.

Stevenage finally stirred into action, albeit unconvincingly, when Steve Morison, playing as a lone striker, was given a partner in the form of Callum Willock, but it was Exeter who came closest to scoring again, Richard Logan’s twice-taken penalty saved by Alan Julian. The only real chance for salvation for Stevenage came in the final minute, when a header by Luke Oliver was cleared off the line, but after a mediocre performance, that would have been cruel on Exeter.

“I’ve just been speaking to the team and I’ve told them not to get too high on the back of this win,” Paul Tisdale, the Exeter manager, said. “It is just three points and there are still six more matches to go, so a lot can happen. We have another game in 72 hours and we have to go into it with the same attitude as tonight.”

MARK VENABLES at Broadhall Way