With Exeter City looking for their first home win of the new campaign, the visit of Tranmere Rovers last Saturday, who, up to then had lost the their last five games in a row, would, I guess, have cheered up the most pessimistic City fan, writes Gareth Hughes.

With Exeter City looking for their first home win of the new campaign, the visit of Tranmere Rovers last Saturday, who, up to then had lost the their last five games in a row, would, I guess, have cheered up the most pessimistic City fan.

Manager Paul Tisdale was also exercising caution when he commented: "I watched Tranmere play a few times last season and they are a very strong side who just missed out on the play-offs. Most of last season's players are still there so you would expect them to turn it around at some stage".

Well, the sun shone on another glorious September afternoon at St James Park and, to a certain extent, City made the most of the rub of the green with a 2-1 win. Adam Stansfield, who made his first start since before Easter, scored two poacher's goals, not his usual trademark. Both opportunities were created by Craig Noone who, in his home debut, was as bright as the sunshine and deservedly won the Man of the Match award. The downside is that he left the field with an injury which, hopefully, is not to serious.

Overall, Tranmere, with their current form and demise were probably not a true test on the Grecians' progress and it's a little disappointing that, given the opportunity, City did not make more of the chances and notch up a more credible win.

In fairness, both teams played some neat and attractive passing football that suggested the potential for better things to come.

Tisdale commented: "It was a big relief, not just for the 11 players on the pitch but everyone off it and in the stands. There was a feeling of relief because we desperately needed the three points."

This was City's first win at home since last Easter's crucial 1-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers, and Tisdale went on to say: "It was more about the result today than the performance". He also went on to stress that his new team was still to settle, and believed that the Grecians would improve in the second half of the season: "I have no reason to believe we won't play to form and be stronger in the second half of the season. That is the norm with us".

The result moves City up to 15th place in the table. This Saturday, however, will be a real tough one as the team travel to London to face up to Charlton Athletic who are undefeated in eight games, second in the division, trailing Leeds Utd who are also undefeated.

l The following Tuesday, September 29, it's another home game, with the visit of Swindon Town.

Kick off 7.45 pm.