EXETER – The Exeter Masters hosted the Nor'west Rangers Friday night in a sloppy game which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Exeter, playing against a squad with no substitutes in the first half, lacked the killer instinct that it needed to put the game away, according to team spokesperson Shawn McFalls.

McFalls said the Masters had their chances, but shots by Tony Van Mierlo and Pete McAllister sailed over the net.

Shawn Tucker had the best chance of the half on a fine running play. He outran a Nor'west defender and took a shot on goal, but the keeper got a hand on it and made the save to keep the game scoreless at the half.

Exeter regrouped somewhat in the second half, playing the ball to the feet with short passes, something that was lacking in the first half.

This change in strategy and execution paid off when Gani Braimoh had a good chance, but his shot sailed off of the crossbar. Exeter kept the momentum and a short while later, defender Geoff Hall took a  free kick from the right sidelines.

The kick found its way to the foot of McFalls at the far post, who in turn sent a pass into the crease. Tucker slid and got his toe on the ball, deflecting it past the keeper and into the net for a 1-0 lead.

The lead was short-lived as the visitors scored on a through-ball to make it 1-1.

Tucker tried valiantly to gain the lead for the Masters once again, but a chip went just wide of the right post late in the game.

"We didn't play our best game tonight and the result showed,” said McFalls. "We lacked communication tonight and our execution was off. We needed to take an early lead to take them out of the game, but we just couldn't break through."

The Masters next see action tonight (Wednesday) in London versus Real West.