City consolidate, ready to accelerate

lee.glanville@archant.co.uk
27 November 2009

With two away games in successive weeks and having collected four points out of the possible six, Sidmouth-based EDGs returning from last Saturdays away game at Stockport were a very happy bunch of fans.

City, who were five games unbeaten, look like they have found their form and, in a 3-1 win at Stockport, they scored twice in stoppage time to condemn County to a fifth straight defeat in League One.

Exeter's win saw them climb to 15th in the league table and seven points clear of the relegation zone.

City took the lead six minutes before the break through Ryan Harley's 25-yard free kick after Stuart Fleetwood had been bundled over by Michael Raynes. With nine minutes to go, Danny Pilkington was brought down 30 yards from goal by Berti Cozic's challenge and Michael Rose stepped up to curl the ball across Andy Marriot and into the top corner of the net.

Inspired, County continued to press forward for the home win, but Exeter broke quickly and substitute Adam Stansfield raced clear to steer the ball past Fon Williams, before fellow substitute Richard Logan tapped in a third with the last kick of the game.

Last Tuesday evening had seen a welcome return to St James Park and the opportunity to face Millwall FC.

The Lions, whose club motto is We Fear No Foe Where E'er We Go, have lived up to this reputation this season with a vintage home record, and are the only team to have beaten both Colchester and the mighty Leeds Utd.

They had lost, surprisingly, the previous Saturday to lowly Wycombe and, if an omen was needed, it came from their manager, Kenny Jackett, with his after match reaction: "We have to do a lot better than that, starting Tuesday night at Exeter."

Well, the backlash never came and 5,732 fans enjoyed some great entertainment in what were ridiculous weather conditions, with some ridiculous referring decisions, and with some ridiculous antics from Millwall. There were seven yellow cards shown, Millwall earned themselves a soft penalty, City fullback Steve Tully was sent off eight minutes into the second half.

Substitute Adam Stansfield was the Grecians' hero when his cross eluded visiting goalkeeper David Forde and went in off the far post just two minutes from time.

At the end of the game the 1-1 draw really did feel like a win, as the Grecian's team spirit shone through to make this their sixth game unbeaten. City moved up to 14th position. It was not really a night to be away from the fireside, there was no classic football to enjoy, but what a great night out it was.

On Saturday its back on the FA Cup trail which takes the Grecians into Buckinghamshire to face the MK Dons who, on Tuesday, surprisingly lost their third match in a row, this time at home to Carlisle.

The Dons beat City at St James Park on August 29 but, since then, of course, the Grecians have begun to find their feet in League One.

This is the FA Cup where, as we all know, anything can happen. Let's hope it happens on Saturday, and hope, at worst, it will be a replay at St James', and at best, we are all glued to the television on Sunday to hear who we are playing in the third round! Come on you Reds.

l For anyone interested in following City on their travels there is a coach leaving Sidmouth for all away games and, for more details, please contact Di Lee on (01395) 577567.

We are always very keen to hear from those interested in joining the East Devon Grecians. Check out the website http://www.eastdevongrecians.com/