Exeter back to winning ways

Paul Tisdale’s substitutions worked like a charm again as City earned a valuable 3 points against a Darlington side who offered very little going forward.

The introduction of Logan and McAllister totally changed the game and McAllister added the second from a superb Moxey cross after Gill’s penalty had edged City in front.

Darlington’s unhappy week went from bad to worse and they rarely threatened the Exeter defence and

This vital win moved City into 5th place in League Two before a tricky trip to Shrewsbury on Tuesday evening.

For a full report of the match visit: http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10436~44772,00.html

Player Ratings

Paul Jones
When asked recently how it felt to be pulling off spectacular save-after-save Jones answered ‘overworked’. These things even themselves out and Jones will not have many easier afternoons than he did today.

Troy Archibold-Henville
Pacey, strong, athletic and composed, Troy is quite a talent and yet again put in a superb performance (although he was slightly lucky to be on the pitch after a high challenge). Troy has been in and out of the side since his arrival but the boy has oodles of potential.

Dean Moxey
The sponsors’ and my own man of the match, Moxey had a superb match. Rarely tested defensively he pushed forward at times with great success.

Matt Taylor
Yet again Taylor was unflappable. He has consistently performed since his return from injury and today proved an immovable object.

Rob Edwards
Didn’t put a foot wrong and had a solid game. I felt he looked lethargic and slow last week but put in a much improved 90 minutes today

Matt Gill
Apart from the cool head needed to put the Grecians ahead from the spot, Gill had a very good match. There have been games this season where he has looked a shadow of his former self but today he was immaculate.

Neil Saunders
Not one of his better games since he broke into the side. His delivery was wayward at time and he didn’t keep possession particularly well. Not a great day at the office for Saunders.

Alex Russell
Announced his arrival back in Devon with a commanding display. Played a vital role in the second goal with a great pass to Moxey and looks a very impressive addition to our midfield.

Adam Stansfield
A typical Stansfield performance. Never really looks like scoring but runs and runs and does the ground work for the substitutes

Steve Basham
Missed some good chances for City and gave the ball away needlessly at times. Did better after the changes but wasted a rare chance to impress. With McAllister again proving why he is so vital to the side Basham’s opportunities could be numbered.

Marcus Stewart
A run-of-the-mill performance from Stewart. He quietly went about his business but failed to really shine. A very similar player to Basham and you could question the logic of playing both in the same side

Craig McAllister
Again McAllister proved his worth to the side. Going into this match City had scored every 34 minutes with Big Mac in the side and you can probably shave a few more minutes off that number after his vital game-changing performance today.

Richard Logan
Logan again proved what a valuable squad member he is. His goal-bound header was somehow kept out by Oakes and he was inches away from connecting with McAllister’s cross
A very late substitute, he had little chance to impress.