Exeter City believe their opening day defeat to Doncaster Rovers will ultimately benefit them as the League One season unfolds.
Coach Dan Green insists the players will learn from the 1–0 loss and be better prepared going forward, with Blackpool next up at St James Park.
Grecians aim to grow from Doncaster setback
Exeter went into Saturday’s clash in South Yorkshire full of confidence after an unbeaten pre-season, but they came away empty-handed after a controversial late penalty secured all three points for Doncaster Rovers. The reigning League Two champions edged a poor contest in which Gary Caldwell’s side failed to register a single shot on target.
Despite the result, Green remained upbeat and focused on the bigger picture.
“We learnt a lot from Saturday,” he said. “Some players were experiencing the intensity and speed of the level for the first time and we can take a lot from it. We know we have to be better and want to go into games with clarity, commitment and confidence in the game plan.”
With several new arrivals still bedding in and a youthful squad gaining vital minutes, there is a sense of perspective in the Exeter camp. Green was quick to highlight the benefits of such an early challenge in the campaign.
“I think we will have a lot of players that will be better for Saturday. Nothing really prepares you for that intensity on the first day, but I know we will use what we’ve learned to be ready for Blackpool.”
The match also saw full EFL debuts for Academy products George Birch and Kieran Wilson, a source of pride for the club’s development setup.
Academy presence offers long-term hope
Green confirmed six Academy graduates were in the travelling squad, describing it as one of the most significant homegrown contingents in recent memory.
“It was an incredibly proud moment, but you have to be patient with them. They’ve had brilliant pre-seasons and come back ready, and the size of the squad has created opportunities for them to shine.”
The average age of the squad at Doncaster was just 23.6, dropping even lower by full-time. Veteran midfielder Kevin McDonald, 36, provided the only real experience from the bench.
Writer’s View
This wasn’t the start Exeter City had hoped for, but there is no panic at St James Park. Gary Caldwell’s team are still integrating new faces and leaning on their Academy system, which continues to deliver promising talent. Against a well-drilled Doncaster side full of momentum, City looked disjointed, but there’s a clear belief inside the camp that time and trust in the process will deliver results.
However, to be learning after a single game is worrying, and many football bookmakers have the Grecians as favourites for the drop. Performances like this won’t help their chances.
