Paul Tisdale and Gareth Ainsworth felt a draw was fair at St James Park

Posted Sunday, February 11, 2018 by PA

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale felt a draw was a fair result after seeing his side hold promotion rivals Wycombe to a 1-1 draw at St James Park.

Lloyd James put Exeter in front when his free-kick evaded everyone inside the box before creeping in at the far post, but Marcus Bean equalised for the Chairboys with his second goal in a week to seal a deserved point for Gareth Ainsworth’s side.

Tisdale said: “I thought it was a really good performance from both sides.

“I am pleased with my players and a point is a point. We had the lead, both teams wanted to win it, there was action at both ends and I think we are happy with a point. We would rather have had the three, but we will take it.

“I think we were stronger in the first half and then they responded. I would’ve been surprised if they hadn’t and they had a really good 10-15 minute spell and then we got ourselves going again.

“It was going to come down to a mistake, that sort of thing, and neither side made one. Both sides went to win and put pressure on the penalty box and it was a really good point for both sides.

“It just shows you what we have to do week in, week out if we want to be successful this year. We have to play games like this and play with that determination that we showed today.

“The intent to win and determination was certainly there and I thought both teams played really well in what were very difficult conditions. It was real winter football, but I thought it was a really good game.”

Wycombe boss Ainsworth was in agreement adding: “It was a really good game, the pitch is terrible here. Trying to play football is a no, no.

“Exeter had the first half and it was a fantastic reaction in the second half from us. I thought we could have gone on and won it.

“I think it was a fair result, they deserved the lead at half-time. I have got a lot of respect for Paul Tisdale and what he does here, you don’t manage for as long as he has without being a good manager.

“This was going to be a tough game so I am pleased to leave here with a point knowing we could have got all three, but so could Exeter as well.

“Everyone is going to beat everyone. There are 15 games to go, there is a third of the season left. It is a long way. People are getting excited, let’s calm down and try and add as many points to our tally.”