Last Saturday 440 travelling Grecians followed their team to the home of Dagenham and Redbridge where a Sam Parkin goal with 10 minutes remaining secured another away point for City, writes Gareth Hughes.

The 1–1 result places them fifth in League Two, this after just six games, with three wins and two draws to their credit. If the result was satisfactory, the first goal to the Daggers was a disappointing start to the game. The goal came from a hopeful long-ball which landed somewhere between City’s Scott Bennett and Artur Krysiak, who came charging from his goal to deal with it. Unfortunately he made a poor connection with the ball which fell to Dagenham player who hooked the ball into a gaping goal from 25-yards. The first half was more about Dagenham than City and despite the fact it was fluke goal they did edge the proceedings, but failed to kill the game off.

During the break Paul Tisdale who is not shy of tinkering, made two changes. Jimmy Keohane was introduced for Arron Davies, with David Wheeler replacing midfielder Matt Grimes who had made his first start on opposition soil. The switches proved to be game-changers as Exeter began to grow into the game, forcing successive corners. Both teams were going for goal though, and thankfully Artur Krysiak was on form with good stops to make up for his first half error. A double substitution for the home side would prove disappointing for Daggers boss and looked to be the catalyst for the Grecians to get back into the game creating several opportunities. In the closing stages of the game City were the stronger and levelled when 32-year-old striker Sam Parkin converted superbly with a glancing header that tied things up at 1-1.

Paul Tisdale was full of praise for Scot Bennett. He said: “That was possibly the best game of his life in our colours. It was a top class performance.”

The Grecian boss added: “‘I’m pleased by the response at half time to an under-par first half. We were a goal down and we responded and improved our performance and we got the goal from it. I look at it the way responded and the way the players executed what asked them to do, and they did it, so that pleases me.”

Clearly it’s still early in the season, but it is a promising start. On the bench last Saturday were 17-year-old striker Matt Jay and 18-year-old number-two keeper Christy Pym. Matt Grimes, an accomplished 18-year-old , was in the starting eleven. We know that that City have a strong youth set up and it will be interesting to see how as the season develops how these, and other prospects for the future, mature and hopefully play their part in a successful season.

This weekend it’s the second away trip on the trot as the Grecians travel to the Sixfields Stadium the home of Northampton Town. With just four points to their name from the six games played they are clearly struggling to find form. As away win would be a great most for the Grecians. Come on you Reds!

The next home game is on Saturday, September 21, when the visitors are Newport County.

We are always very keen to hear from those interested in learning more about us, and hopefully joining the East Devon Grecians. Check out our website http://www.eastdevongrecians.com/ or phone 01395 515552