Rival managers frustrated by conditions in stalemate at Exeter - 7M sport

Rival managers frustrated by conditions in stalemate at Exeter



Posted Sunday, March 01, 2020 by PA

Rival managers frustrated by conditions in stalemate at Exeter

Exeter manager Matt Taylor and his Crawley counterpart John Yems were both left frustrated by the poor state of the St James Park playing surface as their teams battled out a 1-1 draw in bog-like conditions.

Crawley took a deserved lead in the first half when Ashley Nadesan was played through on goal and he deftly flicked the ball over the onrushing Lewis Ward and into the net.

Exeter pressed for an equaliser and it finally came in the 82nd minute when Brennan Dickenson collected Randell Williams’ pass and lashed the ball into the far corner.

“I thought we looked a little bit leggy and devoid of ideas in that first half,” Taylor said.

“We had a lot of ball in certain areas of the pitch but never really any quality in and around their penalty box, certainly in the first half.

“We had a change of shape and a real input of energy in the second half, we got on the front foot and looked like we could possibly go on and win the game.

“Crawley are a dangerous team and I think they showed that today in terms of their attacking threat and players that can burst through space on the pitch. They did that really well and we rode our luck in terms of the chances they created.

“I was really pleased with how the group responded in the second half but, with the pitch the way that it is, we have to understand what is needed at times.

“Sometimes you have to play forward and run forward and be connected. We did that in the last half an hour of the game and that simplified everything and we looked a much better team for it.”

Crawley boss Yems, the former Exeter assistant manager, felt his side were good value for a point.

“I don’t think the conditions helped both sides today,” he said.

“A draw is a fair result. The weather changed both our game plans.

“Could we have had two or three in the first half, with better finishing? Who is to say? I thought Exeter were going to come and nick it, like they used to when I was here.

“If you start with a point, try and make sure you finish with a point. The boys will tell you, we work hard as a team to keep everybody going.

“I am more than happy with a point. Exeter are a good side and Matt Taylor is doing a good job and I come away proud of both Crawley and Exeter.

“Exeter try to do things right. Football is a funny world, you never know when you meet people and it is a pleasure to come back and people speak highly of you.”

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