Jay Bird and Josh Magennis are delighted that Exeter City are through to the next round of the FA Cup.
The Grecians were up against it facing National League title challengers Barnet at St. James’ Park, with the game level at 3-3 going into added time. Northern Irish international Magennis cancelled out The Bees three goals before Bird and Kami Doyle contributed in extra time to put Gary Caldwell’s club through to the second round.
“That Was Brilliant”
Breaking the game down to Devon Live, former MK Dons man Bird said:
“What a game it was, they say magic in the FA Cup. The main thing is we won and are into the next round.
“Credit to Barnet, they did come out and played very well. As a team we know the quality we have for the starters and the finishers who come on have belief whoever comes on has the quality and we have managed to bring it back.”
The 24-year-old was brought on in the second half for Millenic Alli and scored his second of the season after getting his first-ever Grecians senior goal in an EFL Trophy win over Bristol Rovers.
Magennis added:
“That was brilliant. That wasn’t for a lack of trying and it was an end to end game but one we managed to win. They took their chances, but important thing for us is we didn’t cave in and kept going to the death. Gary was honest, intense, a lot of home truths and it was up to show why we were the better team.
“There were more chances at the end and that gets the fans off the seat that chances to be had. Up to us as forwards to keep the repetition as we know chances will come and will be created for you. For the pace and power, we can cause any team problems.
“The FA Cup is magical but we have to take the momentum. We need to keep improving on stuff, and looking to get three points and wanting to win.”
Writer’s View
Exeter City have probably come out on top in what has been the tie of the round from a competitive standpoint. Barnet showed their ability to be a proper force should they gain promotion back into the EFL and The Grecians showed their might to muscle their way to a well-fought victory. It has been a brilliant season so far for the Devon club and a cup run would be the icing on the cake.
1st Class Honours in Multimedia Journalism at Salford University. Writing mainly about League Two.
