A 3-0 thrashing of Tranmere, by a team engulfed by injuries, and after being dumped out of the FA cup in a midweek game, is a massive indication of how positive and strong the Exeter City setup is, writes Gareth Hughes.

With injuries to Bauza, Noble, Nardiello, Dunne, Sercombe, Jones and Oakley, the 4,108 fans would have rightly been concerned prior to the match. With all first choice midfielders out of contention, manager Paul Tisdale was to play centre-backs Richard Duffy and Troy Archibald-Henville in central midfield. City claimed all three valuable points and moved up the table into 17th position with 20 points to their name. It’s the sixth game in a row undefeated and Exeter ended a run of three consecutive draws in League One.

It could have been a different story had City stopper Artur Krysiak not pulled off a magnificent save to foil Jose Baxter inside two minutes, when he palmed the ball around the post. After that, City tactics were reasonably clear, with more route one football than we would normally want to see.

Needs must though, and Tisdale had clearly set the side up with a clear plan to take account of the enforced changes to the team.

In fairness, Tranmere had the ascendency in the first half, but the change in the game dynamics came in the 41st minute when Grecians broke on the counter attack and the home side took the lead through Scot Bennett, who claimed his first professional goal in the football league, drilling his shot straight past Rachubka in the Rovers’ goal.

It was a enthralling second half. The next goal on the 67th minute, came from central defender Danny Coles who rose highest to head home his first for the club. Richard Logan took advantage of a long ball forward, ran clear, and slipped the ball under the hesitant Tranmere keeper. After the game manager Paul Tisdale summed it up: “I didn't know the team until we arrived today, we just had a simple game plan and they were terrifically motivated. The biggest asset we had today is that the players listened and did exactly what they were asked to do. Both wingers were exceptional.”

Happy days, and, with no FA cup action next weekend, there is a two week enforced break for the team, which is great timing given the injuries. The next game is on December 10, away at Leyton Orient.

and there is not too much to say apart from, another win could be on the cards, the question is which team will Tisdale put out? Come on you Reds.

The next home game is on Saturday Dec 17 December against Scunthorpe. 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.