Taylor praises Maxted after goalkeeper keeps Salford at bay
Posted Sunday, December 15, 2019 by PA
Matt Taylor praised goalkeeper Jonny Maxted as his in-form Exeter City made it three wins in as many League Two games with a 1-0 victory over Salford.
Maxted made a series of superb saves as Exeter stayed second in the table courtesy of Ryan Bowman’s first-half strike.
The goalkeeper, a summer signing from Accrington, has had to bide his time behind usual first-choice keeper Lewis Ward.
Taylor said: “Jonny’s been a lot more consistent recently. Football is based on confidence and we know he is a good goalkeeper who has proved his worth with this performance.
“Salford tried to hurt us, but Jonny was there to help out. He really stood up today and it is a big result for us.
“I don’t think we were at our best by any means and thought we looked a bit jaded at times.
“We also didn’t quite have that quality in possession but, sometimes, you just need that bit of luck.
“Our defenders put the bodies on the line and they were ably supported by Nigel (Atangana) and Archie (Collins). Ryan Bowman, up front, was also a big physical force for us. The group is getting tougher and tougher as the season goes on.”
Exeter went in front in the 33rd minute when Bowman latched on to Pierce Sweeney’s cross and headed the ball beyond Salford goalkeeper Chris Neal for his seventh goal of the season.
Exeter, unbeaten in the league since the beginning of November, made the brighter start, with Alex Fisher forcing Neal into making a point-blank save.
Jake Jervis went close for the Ammies before captain Liam Hogan headed over from six yards.
Salford, without a league win since November 2, should have equalised when Craig Conway launched the ball from the edge of the area, but Maxted made a superb fingertip save.
Maxted stepped up to the plate in the second half, pushing both Hogan and Jervis’ efforts over the bar as the visitors held on for the three points.
Salford manager Graham Alexander said: “Even if we had drawn the game I would have been disappointed because I thought we were excellent.
“It’s about fine margins and we have to understand the realities of this league are harsh. There is no time for forgiveness and you can’t switch off.
“The reality is that football is about scoring goals and we didn’t, even though we should have.
“Their goal was a sucker punch for us because I didn’t think we deserved to go behind when we did.
“Credit to the players, because they didn’t let it get to them and, if anything, they played even better.
“I couldn’t have asked for much more from the players, but in football you don’t always get what you deserve.
“Without a doubt, if we can replicate that performance for the next 20-odd games, then we will win games.”
- Tag:
Photos
More»
'World Cup's sexiest fan' reveals she WILL be heading...
Saturday May 18 2024
Real star Endrick banned from having VIRTUAL lover
Saturday May 18 2024
Mikayla Demaiter took social media by storm once more
Friday May 17 2024
Your Say