December 2010- Fantastic.
December was the biggest challenge of the season for Exeter so far. Tough away challenges against Charlton & Sheffield Wednesday, followed by a derby match against Plymouth Argyle. The month was to be rounded off with tricky matches against Hartlepool, Huddersfield and Bournemouth. Could Exeter do the impossible, and have a perfect December?
V Charlton- The Valley- nPower League 1- Loss 1-0 :
Exeter put in a valiant performance, away against playoff-pushers Charlton. The Addicks took the match, after Scott Wagstaff tapped in from close range. Exeter attacked all match, and were unlucky not to take home a point down the M5. The Grecians have all the reasons to keep their chins high.
Exeter put in a valiant performance, away against playoff-pushers Charlton. The Addicks took the match, after Scott Wagstaff tapped in from close range. Exeter attacked all match, and were unlucky not to take home a point down the M5. The Grecians have all the reasons to keep their chins high.
V Sheffield Wednesday- Hillsborough- nPower League 1- Win 1-0 [Harley] :
After coming so close last week, Exeter secured a famous away victory, at Sheffield Wednesday. Ryan Harley scored from 10 yards out, after being put through by Giles Sunu, and that goal was enough for Exeter. The Grecian's defence held firm from Wednesdays attackers, and Joe Kinnear will be more than impressed with the 3 points.
After coming so close last week, Exeter secured a famous away victory, at Sheffield Wednesday. Ryan Harley scored from 10 yards out, after being put through by Giles Sunu, and that goal was enough for Exeter. The Grecian's defence held firm from Wednesdays attackers, and Joe Kinnear will be more than impressed with the 3 points.
V Plymouth Argyle- St James Park- nPower League 1- Win 2-1 [Taylor & Nardiello] :
The first Devon Derby in 9 years, and my my how it was worth the wait! For the full report, see below
The first Devon Derby in 9 years, and my my how it was worth the wait! For the full report, see below
V Hartlepool- Victoria Park- nPower League 1- Loss 3-2 [Nardiello & Noble] :
Exeter were sent crashing back down to earth after a poor loss against Hartlepool. Exeter took the lead after Daniel Nardiello found the net from a tight angle, with 32 minutes on the clock. After previous displays, Joe Kinnear would of been confident of clinging onto to that lead- But early in the 2nd half, Anthony Sweeney lobbed over keeper Artur Krysiak for 1-1. Goals from Adam Boyd, put Hartelpool in a comfortable 3-1 position. David Noble scored a consolation goal for the Grecians, 2 minutes from time. Joe Kinnear will be dissapointed, after the previous results Exeter have produced.
Exeter were sent crashing back down to earth after a poor loss against Hartlepool. Exeter took the lead after Daniel Nardiello found the net from a tight angle, with 32 minutes on the clock. After previous displays, Joe Kinnear would of been confident of clinging onto to that lead- But early in the 2nd half, Anthony Sweeney lobbed over keeper Artur Krysiak for 1-1. Goals from Adam Boyd, put Hartelpool in a comfortable 3-1 position. David Noble scored a consolation goal for the Grecians, 2 minutes from time. Joe Kinnear will be dissapointed, after the previous results Exeter have produced.
V Huddersfield- St James Park- nPower League 1- Loss 2-1 [Sunu] :
Huddersfield defeated Exeter once more, this time at St James Park. Huddersfield were firmly the better side, and were unlucky not to defeat Exeter by more goals. Theo Robinson opened Huddersfield's account, with a brilliant solo effort after 14 minutes. Exeter though, pegged back the visitors. Giles Sunu rounding the keeper, after good play from Conor Clifford. Huddersfield won the match though after a stunning Joey Gudjohnnson strike from the edge of the area. Joe Kinnear may well be concerned, after 2 defeats in a row.
Huddersfield defeated Exeter once more, this time at St James Park. Huddersfield were firmly the better side, and were unlucky not to defeat Exeter by more goals. Theo Robinson opened Huddersfield's account, with a brilliant solo effort after 14 minutes. Exeter though, pegged back the visitors. Giles Sunu rounding the keeper, after good play from Conor Clifford. Huddersfield won the match though after a stunning Joey Gudjohnnson strike from the edge of the area. Joe Kinnear may well be concerned, after 2 defeats in a row.
V Bournemouth- Dean Court- nPower League 1- Draw 0-0 :
Exeter once again were lucky to take a point on the road, as both sides drew a blank at Dean Court. The Grecians could only manage 2 shots through-out the 90 minutes, with a weakend field due to fitness issues. Joe Kinnear will be sure to add to his squad, during January.
Exeter once again were lucky to take a point on the road, as both sides drew a blank at Dean Court. The Grecians could only manage 2 shots through-out the 90 minutes, with a weakend field due to fitness issues. Joe Kinnear will be sure to add to his squad, during January.
A Fairly solid December for Exeter. Fantastic wins against Sheffield Wednesday & Local rivals Plymouth Argyle will be the main positives for Joe Kinnear. Exeter showed their spirit away against Charlton, and cut out any freak heavy losses. Kinnear said back in August, the months to Christmas would decide how Exeter's season would pan out, and it looks like a Playoff Push for 2011.
The Tactics Corner- Exeter's win at Sheffield Wednesday was built around a solid defence, and a Counter-Attacking performance. Exeter stayed firm at the back, and then broke at every oppurtunity. It worked well, and it will surely be seen, when Exeter visit tougher League 1 opposition, later on in the season.
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Exeter Secure Famous Derby Victory
Exeter City 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
Exeter City 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
Exeter City fans were singing in the streets, after a famous victory, in a thrilling match at St James Park. It was the first time the sides met in over 9 years, in the so called "Devon Expressway Derby". There was a heavy policing force at St James Park, to stamp out any violence between the sections of fans. Joe Kinnear was looking "passion and desire" from his team, and he certainly got it.
It was Plymouth who took the lead after 29 minutes. Good build up play on the edge of the box, resulted in the ball falling to Chris Clark, who hit a stunning volley over keeper Artur Krysiak. Argyle took their advantage into half time, and under-fire Peter Reid, was sure to be happy with his players. Argyle edged the first half, and just about deserved their lead. Joe Kinnear sent his players out early for the 2nd half.
Exeter went out for the leveller, but after 68 minutes, Argyle were awarded a penalty. Steve Tully handling in the box, after a long ball foward. Joe Kinnear and the Exeter faithful were furious with referee Phil Dowd. Fallon stepped up, in front of the away support, only to see his penalty crash against the bar. Fallon was then crowded by Exeter defenders, who were relieved to see the penalty avoid the net. This was the turning point in the derby, as Exeter steamed foward in numbers...
3 Minutes after the penalty, and Exeter were level. A good corner from Richard Duffy, was headed in from an un-marked Matt Taylor. It was poor Plymouth defending, but the Exeter fans were thrown into raptures, as Chelsea Dagger was thrown across St James Park. A Few fans broke onto the pitch, but were dealt with swifly, by matchday stewards.
With the match heading for a draw, Steve Maclean broke through on goal, in the 88th minute. Maclean was hacked down by goalscorer Matt Taylor, who put his club first- Of course he was sent off, but Joe Kinnear will be delighted with Taylor's commitment. The free-kick was sent high and wide, which was thought to confirm the draw, at St James Park. Joe Kinnear sent his players foward, in search of a stoppage goal nonetheless...
In the 92nd minute, Steve Tully crossed in where Daniel Nardiello smashed home into the back of the net. The Exeter fans went wild! They couldn't believe it! Even the Exeter goalkeeper joined in with celebrations, in front of the Exeter support, who had seen one of the most amazing matches of the season. Exeter held out to the final whistle, were a famous Devon Derby victory was sealed. This was a night not to forget for the Exeter fans, as Argyle fans trudged away dissapointed. Exeter were well above Argyle in the league and maybe just maybe the tides have turned in Devon....
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Looking Ahead- January 2011.
Exeter had an exciting new year to look foward too, as they battled for a top 6 place. The belief at St James Park was at an all time high, and that will be looked to carried on through the new year and into May. Exeter will start the year with home matches in quick succession, playing Carlisle and then Dagenham & Redbridge. A Tricky away match against Oldham before, Swindon at home- Where Exeter will be looking to put a 4-0 loss earlier on in the season behind them. The month is then finished with tricky away matches against Leyton Orient & Walsall. Joe Kinnear will be expecting 8 points from January.