By Ioan Thomas
USW were undone by a second half Exeter surge in a 0-3 defeat at the Sport Park that ensured a disappointing fourth place finish to their BUCS Premier South campaign.
The result saw Exeter guarantee their spot above USW in the league – and it was no more than they deserved.
After a tightly contested first half, Exeter took the lead through a Phil Robinson penalty in the 55th minute.
Both teams had started the game well in what was a very cagey first half.
The first chance fell to Exeter in the 15th minute as striker Callum Chalmers made a clever run in behind the USW defence but saw his shot saved.
Both Exeter and USW found it hard to break each other down with the final ball lacking precision.
As the teams headed into the break goalless, Exeter looked the better team and were creating more chances.
The second half started well for Exeter with Robinson managing to get a shot off following a scramble in the box and his shot was saved well by USW goalkeeper Harry Irving. The second ball was then met by Exeter number eight, Luke Steer, who’s powerful shot was brilliantly saved by a leaping Irving who tipped it over the bar.
In the 55th minute Robinson received the ball in the box, rounded the keeper and was brought down for a penalty.
Robinson himself proceeded to calmly dispatch the spot-kick, sending Irving the wrong way.
Exeter capitalised on their 1-0 lead and continued to test the USW defence .
In the 68th minute Exeter won a free-kick just outside the box.
Number 10, Xavier De Pedro, confidently stepped up to curl the ball into the top left corner for a 2-0 lead.
USW had very few chances in the last quarter of the game and in the 87th minute Exeter’s Chalmers scored a third from the spot after being brought down by Irving.