Richie Wellens disappointed in ‘lazy’ Swindon players

Swindon manager Richie Wellens tore into his “lazy” players after the Wiltshire side slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home to West Country rivals Exeter.

A Jonathan Forte penalty and Archie Collins’ long-range screamer sealed an easy victory for the Grecians at the County Ground.

An angry Wellens said: “There’s a lot of things that went wrong today.

“It was a game too many for some. We didn’t have any energy, no legs. Exeter looked stronger and quicker and we didn’t win any second balls in midfield.

“We looked lazy at times, lethargic.

“At times we looked OK then – when we do have a good couple of minutes – we think we’re better than we are and start doing stupid things. The goal was a blow because it came at a bad time.

“We’re nowhere near good enough, and some players at the club think they’re better than they are.”

Neither goalkeeper was particularly troubled in the opening 45 minutes and Swindon looked in control until Exeter were gifted the lead eight minutes before half-time when substitute Matt Jay was brought down by Sid Nelson.

Swindon claimed the challenge took place outside the box but former Southampton striker Forte ignored their appeal to calmly tuck away the resulting spot-kick.

Collins settled matters in the 68th minute with a wicked banana shot from 25 yards.

Exeter manager Matt Taylor praised his side for a complete away performance.

Taylor said: “It certainly felt like that from start to finish in terms of our preparation, that was a proper performance.

“I don’t think we’ve kept enough clean sheets this season but the back boys were outstanding.

“It was very much a group display. I’ve said time and time again in interviews this season that we’ve got good quality players who can hurt opposition.

“I’m delighted with the clean sheet and they’ve got to be praised to the hilt with their defending today.

“They had a great opportunity to put their attributes on show and they did that today.”