Right-back looking forward to a packed Park for final home match
Exeter City right-back Steve Tully, the club’s longest-serving player, is relishing the prospect of a packed house this weekend when fellow promotion-hopefuls Cheltenham Town come to St James Park.
The Grecians’ draw against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday keeps the side in with a shout of the play-offs, should results fall the right way over the final two weeks of the season. And while City can’t influence the results of some of their other promotion rivals, Tulls is confident that the side can use the impetus that has been building over the past couple of games to secure two big results – starting with the final home game of the league season this weekend at the Park.
“The last two games are massive,” said Steve. “They’re two cup finals, and we know what we’ve got to do. We can’t alter any of the results around us; we can only affect what’s in front of us.
“We were disappointed on Saturday to have only picked up a point – but at the same time, we were delighted to have earned a point because it stopped our run of defeats. We needed to get something out the game to build momentum for this weekend, and now it’s all on that game.
“You always have a little dip in the season – and hopefully we’re over ours now. We’re building momentum to go forward and that’s what we’re looking forward to now. It’s going to be a big game, and hopefully there’ll be a big crowd there as well cheering us on.”
Steve had to miss out on the recent fixtures against Dagenham and Rotherham with a foot injury, but in typically committed fashion he opted to play through the pain barrier against Wimbledon last weekend – and he’s more than happy to keep doing the same if it means he can contribute towards the team effort at this crucial time.
“I’ve broken a toe, but that’s alright,” he continued. “It’s getting the fitness done during the week to be ready for a game on Saturday that’s difficult. But if I have an injection it means I can’t feel anything in my foot, and I just get on with it.
“I’m willing to put my body on the line because I want to play for the club and do the best I can. If that means having an injection now and again, that’s not a problem – I’d do anything to get out on that football pitch. I was just glad to be back out on the pitch last Saturday and able to contribute.”
And Tulls is calling on fans to turn out in their numbers to play their part. With the Robins due to send a sizable contingent of their own down the M5, the City man is hoping the supporters and players alike will dig deep for one last hurrah.
“Cheltenham have got something to play for – they’re right in the mix, and so are we. They’ll bring a few fans down, we’ll pack our end – it should be a great atmosphere.
“Our fans have been great all season, and it’s one final push now. We’re all in it together, and we’ll push on.”
Come and play your part by helping to pack the Park this weekend at this vital League 2 clash. Normal ticketing applies – buy online in advance by clicking here, or buy on the day of the game from the appropriate ticket booths around the ground.