Local derby's are always games to be looked forward to, and with Exeter’s 6 game undefeated run, the short trip to Yeovil was eagerly anticipated. Clearly it was a game neither side needed to lose and the 2-2 result was fair, in what was a fully committed effort by players on both sides. The 2-2 score line helped Yeovil climb from the foot of the table by 2 positions into 22nd place, whilst for City the draw, and the effect of teams results around them unfortunately moved them from 19th position to 20th. With 4 senior players ,Billy Jones, Matt Oakley, Daniel Nardiello and Guillem Bauza all absent through injury this result is very much another positive step forward in City’s recovery from a poor start to the season.

Throughout the 90 minutes play, the game had both sets of fans on edge, and the scene was set when Ed Upson, for the Glovers, after just six

ty nine seconds struck a cracker across City keeper Krysiak into the far corner of the Grecian goal. As Yeovil fans celebrated, and probably began to possibly anticipate a reversal in their form, City responded with a goal in the 4th minute from Jake Taylor, the Reading loanee who has just returned from international duty with Wales. With it all to do in the penalty area, Taylor controlled the pass on his chest, dribbled past Yeovil's keeper and found the back of the net to the delight of City fans amassed behind the goal. City pressure was telling and on the 30th minute City striker John O'Flynn received the ball inside the box, but was fouled and referee Mark Haywood pointed for a penalty immediately.

O'Flynn picked himself up and sent Yeovil stopper Stewart the wrong way with the spot kick. City lead 2-1! If the first half was dominated by the Grecians it was the turn of the Glovers to set their stall out in the last 45 minutes.

City hit the woodwork shortly after the break but in fairness it was Glovers who had the ascendency and on the 56 minute the equaliser came from a corner nodded on at the near post by Blizzard and into the far corner of the Grecian goal. Good saves from Artur Krysiak and a lively Yeovil frontline added to the entertainment value and the draw was good for both teams.

After the game manager Paul Tisdale was pleased: "It was a terrific game to watch, I hope our supporters enjoyed it because I did. We were stretched today and I think we extended ourselves to the very limit and we did extremely well. I'll wake up tomorrow morning and be happy with a point but maybe wish that we could've just held on.”

On Wednesday, having earned the chance of an FA cup replay with an equaliser very deep into added on time at St James Park, the Grecians travelled to the Bescot Stadium to battle it out for a place in the second round. Unfortunately there was no progression as City went down 3-2 after forcing extra time, and the dream of cup and financial gains stuttered to an end. For Paul Tisdale, once again cup glory has eluded him for another season, and for the team, all the effort for no reward. City took the lead courtesy of a Richard Logan goal, and then Walsall turned the game around with two goals in five minutes. City hit back through Elliott Frear to take the game to extra-time, before George Bowerman’s close-range finish won the tie for the hosts. By all accounts not a classic, City a little disjointed, and David Noble pulled out just before the start; and yet in the end, Walsall were made to work hard for their deserved place in round two.

On Saturday it's another home game, the visitors being Tranmere who are currently 8th in the table and just 2 points of the playoff group. There are no easy games in League One, and this is no exception. Tranmere recent form may indicate otherwise, as they last won on the 25th October, losing two league games and two matches in both the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and the FA cup in recent times. I know it's far too early to be talking about Christmas, but another cracker of a game would be great for the fans, and for all the Grecian believers an early present would not go amiss. Come on you Reds!

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