Exeter City get the reaction they wanted as they cruise to victory
Exeter City had the reaction that they wanted following their disappointment last Saturday as they cruised to victory over Stevenage. Having tasted the heartbreak of conceding a 95 th minute goal to be beaten at Blackpool, the Grecians tasted victory at St James Park in what was a comfortable afternoon.
The result never looked in doubt from the eighth minute when Ed Francis – who now has three in three – hooked home from close range after a flurry of early corners. Kamari Doyle, who was yet again impressive in midfield, doubled the lead early in the second half.
Gary Caldwell’s men could have made things more comfortable had they taken any of the further chances they fashioned, but in truth, strolled to a win over a pretty woeful Stevenage side who offered nothing and failed to have a shot on target until the 89 th minute. For City, victory was fully deserved as they rose to 11th in the table.
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“Those sorts of games are always tricky if you go 1-0 down but we got the first goal and then managed the game well,” Francis said. “It wasn’t as fluid as we would have liked at some points but the most important thing is we got the three points. Last week was a real disappointment but the reaction we showed was really really positive.”
He added: “We scored at good times and managed the game well, but three points is the important thing. Hopefully on another day we can be more ruthless and make it three, four and five, but importantly we nullified their threats and kept them out as they are a tough outfit. We had to match them and score and win the game and we did.”
Francis’ goal was an unlikely one for the midfielder who now has three-in-three. Doyle whipped in a corner with pace, Josh Magennis won the header and nodded it down, and from two yards out, Francis hooked the ball over his head and into the net.
“People say it was a bicycle kick,” the ex-Man City product said. “This is the best form I have been in goalscoring wise in my career. My job was to block the keeper but it has dropped for me, a nice feeling, always good to score goals, and to win the most important thing. Next goal needs to be in front of the Big Bank.”
“It is brilliant for Ed,” Caldwell said. “We didn’t sign him to score goals but if he can keep doing it every week. He has been good but when he gets to speed to the level and shows his personality he can be a really top player.
“The same with Kamari. He was great. We need to see more moments. We see moments where his quality is superb and want to keep pushing him. It has been a brilliant output from him, but we will keep driving to be better.”