FUELLED by their frustrations at letting a good opportunity for three points slip through their fingers against Fleetwood Town last weekend, Exeter City are back on the road today facing one of their toughest trips of the season.
After a dominant first half in which they completely outplayed Fleetwood, the Cod Army hit back after the break and rescued a draw from a match which could and perhaps should have been over by half-time.
The groans and frustrations which were clearly evident at full-time were understandable with manager Gary Caldwell ruing City’s lack of a killer instinct in such situations. They are unluckily to see as much of the ball when they head to high-flying Peterborough United today, so when they do have it, they must be more productive.
“We have to push the players more in attacking actions that we might score goals from,” said assistant manager Kevin Nicholson. “It’s great that we are patient and can come out (of attacking areas) and keep the ball, but we have to be braver and quicker when we get through that first line.
“We will never, ever have a go at a player for making a mistake trying to do the right thing. We will have a go at a player for taking the easy option and coming back out when they could have been positive and gone at the opponent, or tried a pass that may open something up.
“We don’t want players Cruyffing out of our own box, or threading passes 20 yards out because that’s silly play. But when you get in and around their box, that’s the kind of play you want to create an opportunity, or a one-v-one where you are brave enough to run at someone and commit top the cross. Those kind of things, when we talk about bravery, are what we mean; being measured in line with how we play, but brave when you get to a certain part of the pitch and accept that you might give the ball away.”
