Noone makes immediate impact for Grecians

Last Saturday it was the second away game in succession for the Grecians as they returned to Brisbane Rd, home of Leyton Orient for the first time in just over six years.

Both teams were on five points and had managed only one victory each in the opening games of the campaign. After last week's well-documented disaster game at Gillingham, and having had two back-to-back defeats, Paul Tisdale's' men will have been keen to make amends with a bounce back result.

The 'Os' will have expecting their first home win. Both teams have found goals hard to come by and the nature of both goals in this 1-1 draw was a reflection of that.

Leyton had the better of the first half, but it took a huge deflection from a free kick 30 yards out to beat the City keeper Oscar Jansson.

The City goal came in a second half revival, courtesy of Craig Noone, the recently signed loan winger from our footballing cousins Plymouth Argyle.

The goal has been described in the press in many ways, but for me it was stunning!

The player has made an instant impact, both on the game and with the fans. He said: "I signed on Thursday and got to know the players, as I trained with them. My game is about getting crosses in. I didn't know if I was going to play so I was delighted. That is what I have come to Exeter for. The first half was fairly even and in the second half we passed it around and in the end a draw was a fair result."

Sidmouth fan Ian Emerson, who was at the game, gave his opinion. "City dug deep and fought well in the second half to earn a draw 1-1. The new signing on loan from Plymouth is another good piece of management by Tisdale and Craig Noone was our best player, adding width to the team. It is clear that this division is a different cup of tea to division 2, and is much quicker.

"The players have to think faster when on the ball and the strike force of our opposition in the games played to date are more direct, choosing to shoot far more often than we have been used to. Leyton have been in this division a number of years and know the needs of the division, on balance we did well and will get better as the season unfolds"

l This Saturday sees a welcome return to St James Park when City face Tranmere, who also have only one win to their name.

They sit three points below Exeter in the table, and in 23rd place. Tranmere have lost all their three games on the road whilst City are yet to win on home turf, having lost one game and drawn two. We are learning that there are no easy games in this league and it would be good if this one was the exception.

Stuart Fleetwood, Craig Noone and Oscar Jannson will be making their home debuts, and let's hope it will also be the time for a home win celebration. Come on you reds!

l Don't forget this Monday, September 21, EDGs' welcome Steve Tully to the War Memorial Club to answer fans' questions and take part in the annual quiz. As always, non members and all City fans welcome. Kick off 7.30 pm.

l We are 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.