Paul Tisdale hails Exeter after draw

Posted Wednesday, March 14, 2018 by PA

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale felt his side deserved more than a point as they failed to break down struggling Yeovil in a goalless west country derby at St James Park.

The Grecians had the better chances but were wasteful – with Matt Jay and Ryan Harley the biggest culprits – although it was top goalscorer Jayden Stockley who missed the best chance of the game in the 90th minute when he inexplicably rolled the ball wide of goal from six yards.

“It was a really good game and I can’t quite believe there were no goals in it,” said Tisdale. “It’s a good point, I cannot fault the way we played and we didn’t deserve to draw at all tonight.

“We had plenty of chances and we tried really hard. I think Matt Jay had five half-chances in the first five minutes. I don’t think I can fault the players for their intent at the start of the game, they went for it and continued to go for it.

“Yeovil had a threat with their counter as well, they were very sprightly with their breakaways, so we had to be good on the recovery as well. But we did enough to get a goal today.

“Jayden doesn’t miss those chances very often. We expect that to change next time, but I’m just really pleased with the way we played. It’s a point and we wanted three, but a point is better than zero.”

Yeovil boss Darren Way hailed the character his young side showed in repelling Exeter and felt they should have been awarded a first-half penalty following a foul by Exeter goalkeeper Christy Pym.

“It was a really good, spirited away performance,” he said. “The group are learning every game. We haven’t got a wealth of experience, even towards the end. I would love to see how many 22-year-olds, 23-year-olds were out on the pitch.

“They are giving absolutely everything but the fine lines between winning and losing are narrow. We had a few discussions after the game on Saturday and if we do that side of the game, nine times out of ten we finish the stronger team.

“We should have had a penalty in the first 10 minutes, it was so blatant it was unreal. Those are the decisions you need to go for you. We had a great view, it was obvious and clear. Sometimes you get those decisions, everyone makes mistakes and unfortunately he made a mistake on that occasion.

“I want more and this is the first time that the club have got a bit of stability.

“Football is not easy but I was really pleased with the performance today, to come away with a clean sheet is so pleasing.”