VITAL POLL: Fans Split on Fleetwood and Stansfield

A recent Vital Poll asked fans whether Stuart Fleetwood or Adam Stansfield should lead the line for Exeter City.

The results are split down the middle, which points to the differing qualities of the two strikers.

Stansfield may not be the most prolific of strikers, but his dedication to the cause has captured the heart of the City fans. Nevertheless, he has exercised some of his demons in recent times, with superb one on one finishes against Stockport and MK Dons. Last Saturday he scored the only goal with a superb lofted shot, but in equal measure missed a golden opportunity to double the Grecians lead. City manager Paul Tisdale was fully justified for starting with Stansfield, and his tireless running after the dismissal of Barry Corr was hugely influential in maintaining City`s lead. The result could have been very different with Stuart Fleetwood at the fulcrum of the attack.

Fleetwood played a key role in City`s promotion from League 2 last season, and this prompted Tisdale to take the former Forest Green Rovers star on a season`s loan from Charlton for City`s first League 1 campaign for 15 years. Fleetwood was brought to St. James Park to score goals. However, he has only scored two league goals in twelve starts and two substitute appearances this season. This is problematic as Fleetwood doesn`t add much more to City`s play. Perhaps City fans are spoilt by the unselfish running of Stansfield, but Fleetwood waits for an opportunity rather than chasing a ball to make the opportunity himself. Furthermore, Stansfield has scored five league goals in seven starts and eight substitute appearances this season. This isn`t a criticism of Fleetwood, merely an observation. Nevertheless, when comparing the facts and what each player adds to the overall value of the team, Tisdale is fully justified in his recent decision to pick Stanfield above Fleetwood.