Grecian fans arriving last Saturday at St James Park for the home game against Walsall were probably expecting and hoping for the first win of 2011, and revenge over the team who beat them 2-1 on their own home soil.

After a couple of significant games with Brentford, and the last home game with MK Dons, City's recent habit of taking the lead and then conceding a goal to end the last three games’ 1-1 needed to be broken .

Come 5pm there was indeed cause for celebrations as City won 2-1 and moved up to 13th place in the league, five points off the playoffs and one point ahead of Plymouth Argyle who have played two more games than City.

Paul Tisdale's side took just four minutes to break the deadlock when David Noble's clever pass sent Steve Tully clear and he crossed to the back post where Richard Duffy controlled before firing past Walsall's keeper.

Exeter should have been further ahead when, in the space of two minutes, Jamie Cureton had two gilt-edged chances and, unusually for him, put them both wide.

In the 77th minute Daniel Nardiello worked a clever free-kick with David Noble to fire inside the post and secure what was hoped to be a sure fire 2-0 victory. It then could have been 3-0 after John O'Flynn had been fouled in the box by Aaron Lescott.

The penalty finally taken by Nardiello was unfortunately well saved, and allowed the Saddlers to believe that they could get something for their efforts out of the game.

Their goal came late, on 85 minutes, when Grey scored from close range and again the pressure was on. Fortunately, on this occasion, it was to be City's day and City's three points.

In fairness to Walsall they did not make it easy for City, playing some really nice short passing football, and creating some decent half chances.

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale could not hide his relief: " I am happy with three points. We made really heavy work of it. We made a great start and it all sort of finished on that. We've got three points and haven't played well, but there've been times when we've played a lot better this season and not got the points. We played far better against Brighton and came away with nothing, so maybe it sort of evens itself out a little. I'd like us to have played better and I think we could have played better, but we've got the points."

Transfer news includes confirmation that City playmaker Ryan Harley, following his move to Premiership hopefuls Swansea, will stay at St James on a loan back agreement, and the goalkeeping position has been strengthened by the arrival of loanee Ben Hamer from Reading. This Saturday it's away to Swindon and then City entertain high-flying Southampton at the start of a run of three consecutive home games in seven days. It's going to be a hectic February, but it should be an exciting one too. Come on you Reds.

? On Monday evening the East Devon Grecians welcomed manager Paul Tisdale to Sidmouth where around 100 fans took part in a question and answer session.

During the evening Di Lee presented a further cheque for �1,000 to Paul as part of the fundraising "pitch in" campaign which has provide a new playing surface at St James Park costing an estimated �175,000.

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