Last Saturday 815 Grecian travellers formed a significant part of Wimbledon’s biggest crowd of the season, in what was an entertaining and exiting game, writes Gareth Hughes.

Both teams were desperate for the win and worked hard, and fought with all they could give for their respective causes.

In the red corner the Grecians were hoping for the three points to boost their playoff hopes, whilst Wimbledon in the blue corner were fighting for their League Two status and avoiding being sucked into the bottom two relegations places.

Ahead of the game 19-year-old Jamie Reid, a first year professional was given the nod for his first start in surprise attacking formation alongside veteran striker Jamie Cureton and John O’Flynn.

The game had chances aplenty but it was Reid who broke the deadlock in a game where he traded goals with Wimbledon’s Luke Moore.

The first was scored on the 36th minute after a fine counter attack Reid firing his opener from outside the box through a crowded area.

After the break a forced substitution of John O’Flynn with a suspected broken toe reduced the attacking options for the Grecians as midfielder Scott Bennett was the replacement, and, on 58 minutes Luke Moore for levelled the game after he pounced on a poor City clearance.

Three minutes later it was Jamie Reid who bagged his second for the Grecians taking the game to 2-1 only to see Luke Moore level the score two minutes later with another low finish from outside the area.

The results on the day left City one place below the playoff positions with Bradford in seventh place, but with a game in hand. After the game Paul Tisdale admitted “We both needed a win.” Having been in the lead twice, you hope you can do enough to stay in front.

There was a huge amount of effort from the players, total commitment from both sides, and horrendous conditions. But I have to thank the players and our supporters for a huge effort.”

The other point made by Paul Tisdale on Saturday is that of course we were still in with a chance of the play-offs and this became even clearer after the Tuesday night’s games.

Bradford were beaten at home by Rotherham and as a result are only one point ahead of City with both teams only having two games to play. Also Chesterfield were beaten by Plymouth and remain three points behind the Grecians.

On Saturday Bradford meet high flying Burton who are still in with a chance of an automatic promotion place.

So on Saturday City welcome Cheltenham Town who last weekend extended their unbeaten home run in League Two to 19 matches beating already promoted Gillingham Town.

Fortunately, the Robins away form is far less impressive with only two wins in their last 16 away games.

With Cheltenham also still having the chance of automatic promotion place St James Park will be the place to be this weekend. Let’s pack the Park. Come on you Reds!

The final game of the season is on Saturday, April 27, with Exeter travelling to Chesterfield which will be the final must win game.

The East Devon Grecians are arranging a coach from Sidmouth and anyone interested please contact Di Lee on 577567.