Paul Tisdale revels in Exeter’s ‘thoroughly deserved’ play-off win over Lincoln

Posted Friday, May 18, 2018 by PA

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale felt his side were worthy winners as they booked a place in the League Two play-off final with a superb 3-1 win over Lincoln.

After a goalless first leg at Sincil Bank, the Grecians stepped it up on home soil and won through thanks to three well-taken goals from Jayden Stockley, Hiram Boateng and Ryan Harley.

Matt Green reduced the arrears to make for a nervy finish, but Exeter held out to claim a deserved place in the final on May 28 against either Coventry or Notts County.

“I think we thoroughly deserved it. I think it was a purposeful performance full of intent and as positive as we could have given,” said Tisdale.

“We wanted to be really tough today and obviously we saw a lot on Saturday with the problems that Lincoln can cause any team and we acknowledged it.

“You can’t stop everything, but we reduced it today and they gave us a torrid 15 minutes of pummelling balls into our box, which is what you expect. They are desperate to get the goals back.

“But I have to say I am very proud of the way that we played.

“Jayden came in and said: ‘I can’t believe my goal was the worst of the three!’. He’s a typical centre forward. Hiram probably owes us a goal and we all know that Ryan Harley has that in him.

“He had two in the first half that he didn’t catch at all, but that one was the toughest of the lot. He just kept his head beautifully still and what a strike. I have to say, I did jump around a little after that one.

“I think we thoroughly deserved it, obviously it was a nervy last 10 minutes, but what do you expect?”

Lincoln boss Danny Cowley was left cursing a disallowed goal in the first half for midfielder Elliott Whitehouse, chalked off for a handball by Matt Rhead.

Cowley said: “Some key decisions went against us. But they scored some good goals from distance and technically they certainly beat us in that area of the game.

“It was unbelievable how our goal was ruled out. The linesman was 70 yards out and gives it and the referee is five yards away. All night the fourth official gave decisions for the referee. We have to suck it in.

“We fought until the end, credit to them first half because they dealt with our direct play and then they hurt us on the counter-attack.

“I am really proud of the players and their hard work and efforts. We have made outstanding progress and we are obviously disappointed.

“We know what is required and know the areas we have come up short in. We will try to resolve them in the summer and come back stronger from the experience.”