Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell was seemingly impressed by his players’ performance in their 1-1 draw with Stevenage and believes that the result could lead to a change in fortunes for the club.
Although Exeter’s winless run in League One may have been extended to 12 matches, very few would’ve predicted them to return from Stevenage with anything.
Yet, Caldwell’s side managed to hold fourth-placed Stevenage to a point in what was a much-improved performance by the Grecians. With only Carlisle and Reading in the bottom four gaining a single point over the weekend, Exeter have now extended their gap to the relegation zone to three points.
What is potentially most impressive is the fact that Caldwell’s side played over half of the match with just 10 men following striker Jack Aitchison receiving a second yellow late into the first half. To make matters worse, Stevenage would score minutes later and the Grecians were at serious risk of letting the game get away from them.
Caldwell’s side would however respond well, with Yanic Wildschut equalising in the 47th minute, and would manage to hold Boro to a point despite having just 38% possession.
The manager has certainly been on the hot seat in recent weeks, with their goal against Stevenage being just their third in the league since the 23rd of September. Although the result may relieve some pressure off of the manager, the winless run is still a real worry. They face a rejuvenated Cambridge side, fresh off the back of a win against Blackpool on Friday night in what will be a tough game for the Grecians.
Speaking to BBC Radio Devon about their improved performance, Caldwell said:
“This has to be a turning point. The character they showed has to be the minimum and we have to build on what we do with the ball and how we progress from here.
“We know we need to be better, we’re in a difficult season at the moment, one which started so well and we’re in a difficult period.
“But when you see that sort of fight and that sort of effort, and you’ve got 26 games to go, I think there’s a lot to look forward to this season.”
Writer’s View
A point on the road for Exeter was one of the most unexpected results of the weekend and they must now use this momentum in order to push themselves away from the relegation zone.
Their Christmas fixture schedule sees them play a struggling Wycombe and Reading, an improved Cambridge side and a rather ruthless Portsmouth. If Caldwell wants to keep his job, then a win in one of those four games is an absolute necessity.
Senior Editor
