SOUTHERN SUCCESS: YOUTH AND GOALS THE KEY TO PROMOTION FOR EXTER CITY

Featured Image Credit: Bury FC

Given the circumstances, its been an excellent start, especially after the Wembley heartache. We’ve picked up some strong results so far, picking up 19 points from our opening 10 and a young energetic City side have got better as the season has gone on.

With the likes of Joel Randell and josh key impressing thus far, with the former grabbing 4 goals so far this campaign, in my opinion, we look a more balanced side particularly when we go forward. Last year I felt we were too reliant on Randell Williams to perform, but this year I haven’t noticed the difference even when Williams has been absent.

Matt Taylor has been in charge for 3 seasons now and the improvement is evident with better football on show and he’s installed a proper character and a more physical Exeter side which has been needed for years.

An aspect that has been noticeable is our never say die attitude which has been on show throughout the season with a last-minute equaliser vs Southend and countless strong second-half performances. That being said however, one thing that needs working on is the final product and finishing in front of goal. It has been a major problem for the last couple of seasons struggling to kill games off such as on Saturday vs Carlisle, where we had multiple chances to put the game to bed with Ryan Bowman going close a couple of times and Nicky Law and Archie Collins creating several chances that weren’t taken.

I’m not sure what the problem is whether its confidence or other factors, but it needs sorting. Staying on the subject of finishing it’s been really good to see that we have more than one capable goal scorer, with Jake Taylor in fine form scoring 3 in his last 4 games, along with Matt Jay looking dangerous scoring 3 so far this campaign. Furthermore, Joel Randell is causing all sorts of problems for the opposition, with his pace, composure and skill, the youngster has scored 4 so far this season and looks set to be the next youth product to go onto bigger things.

In recent weeks, we’ve struggled with injuries with Rory McArdle just coming back into the team likewise with Law. But both keepers are now out. Lewis Ward will be out for some time, after twisting his ankle in the home game vs Scunthorpe and deputy keeper Johnny Maxted dislocated his knee in a training session. However, we have a strong squad who have adapted well, along with reading loanee Jökull Andrésson who has looked very confident, looks set to have a bright future in between the sticks.

Despite all this, we have a very settled squad who I’m sure will be using the heart-breaking loss at Wembley to give them the motive to push and work hard.