Tisdale praises Exeter display in win over Swindon

Posted Sunday, March 25, 2018 by PA

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale hailed the character of his side as they fought back from a goal down to beat Swindon 3-1 in a crunch clash at St James Park.

Kaiyne Woolery gave Swindon the lead only for the Grecians to hit back with goals from Jake Taylor and Pierce Sweeney, who netted from the penalty spot after Dean Moxey had been fouled.

Jayden Stockley wrapped things up with a late third to move Exeter up to fifth in a congested League Two table while defeat for the Robins sees them slip to ninth.

Tisdale said: “I am really pleased with the performance. Obviously the three points was the priority and I think we earned it.

“They had a lot of the play but we were in the right place and we got the goals and that is what it’s all about: scoring goals.

“The players really lifted themselves after Swindon scored. We made changes in midfield which gave us the chance to get out and Jake Taylor really led from the front. Hiram [Boateng] got on top and we had a really good spell playing towards the Big Bank.

“There was a really good atmosphere. I thought the crowd were really energetic and noisy and really got behind the players. Let’s have more of that because it can really make the difference.

“In the second half, we just knew what we had to do. We just wanted to keep a clean sheet and I don’t want to apologise for that because it was needed.

“Swindon then started to make changes and we started to get out a bit but it was a really dogged performance and the players did really well. Jordan Storey was brilliant at the back but he had good performances all around him.”

Swindon boss Phil Brown was frustrated with the performance of his players.

He said: “Conceding goals is a problem I will have to address.

“I have seen the other side of the boys. I have had all the information with regards to their technical ability but when it comes down to games like today you have to put your body on the line and your character has to come out. But I thought our centre halves got bullied by their striker, Stockley.

“We went 1-0 up and we took our foot off the gas. One or two thought they had cracked it but you never crack this game ever. We let them off the hook.

“They changed their system and it caused us problems in the latter stages of the first half. We knew we would have possession in the second half and they would drop off.

“Credit to Paul and his team, I wish them well in the future. I thought we should have got something from the game, but at 3-1 it is game over.”