Bennett delighted as Exeter home run is banished in style

THE long-suffering Exeter City home fans were finally given something to cheer on Saturday as a rousing second-half performance saw them comfortably beat play-off chasing Southend at St James's Park.

City led at the break thanks to a clinical finish from John O'Flynn two minutes before the interval.

But the lead was slightly fortunate as midfielder Scot Bennett had been forced to clear a goal-bound header from former Grecian Barry Corr off the line and Michael Timlin had drilled another shot narrowly wide of the left-hand post.

However, having been the victim of such sucker punches themselves at the Park in recent months, Bennett says it was justice that City landed a timely blow to Southend's hopes.

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"It is the bit of luck we have needed at home," said the Newquay-born midfielder who also added a goal in the second half.

In fact City were a much better side after the break as resolute defensive display limited Southend's chances.

Krysiak wasn't troubled for the opening half hour of the second half, so when Bennett sent a looping header over Paul Smith's head and into the top left-hand corner of the goal the game was effectively over with 15 minutes to play.

However, City weren't finished and pressed for another goal against a Southend side who had one-eye on a midweek FA Cup replay away at Brentford.

And they got the third goal their second half display deserved in 84th minutes as a trademark run into the box from Jimmy Keohane presented O'Flynn with a simple tap in.

"We are absolutely delighted," added Bennett. "The last two home games we have been brilliant in the first half and then sat back and let the teams come onto us and we have thrown it away really.

"Whereas (against Southend) we have worked really hard as a team, we have moved up and down together and got around the pitch.

"So to end the run and give the fans something to cheer about at home was brilliant."

Speaking about his goal, Bennett added: "I was just aiming to get it back across the goal into the danger area.

"I was quite wide out but I caught it pretty perfectly to be fair and watching it go over Flynny (John O'Flynn) and into the net was great."