Midfielder buzzing after opening-day win
City midfielder Arron Davies was understandably delighted with the result on the opening weekend of the season, as the Grecians picked up three points in the West Country derby against Bristol Rovers.
He admitted that the result was the main focus of the team, but putting in a performance that merited the win made it all the sweeter for City.
“It was a great start, with a great result and a great performance,” said Davies. "There were no injuries too, so all the lads were buzzing after the game.
“The whole team had tempo from start to finish. We were playing high up the pitch and getting balls in the box, and it was nice to get a little assist for Sam Parkin’s first goal at the club. But the main factor was the result.
“On the first day of the season, you always want to get a result. If we hadn’t played well today but had gotten a result, we would have been happy – but it’s better when you get a bit of both. We’ll take that into Tuesday [against QPR] and it’ll set the tone for the season.”
Exeter surrendered the lead that Danny Coles’ goal had given when Eliot Richards equalised midway through the second period. Davies felt that the mental resolve of the strong meant that even after conceding, they never entertained the idea of the tide shifting into Rovers’ favour.
“When Rovers got a goal back and it went to 1-1, I still felt like we were the only team that were going to win that game,” Davies continued. “We went for it and got what we deserved in the end in a 2-1 victory.
“We want to put last year’s home record straight, and it was a local derby as well so we’ve got the bragging rights which didn’t happen too often last year. With that, and it being the opening day of the season and all the adrenaline going round the lads, it was a very good performance and result.”
Davies provided the delivery for Parkin’s maiden goal for the Grecians, and the midfielder applauded the contribution that he made to the match and the quality that he brings to the forward-line.
“We tried to give Sam a bit of stick by saying it was an own-goal, but he’s claiming it! All the lads are buzzing for him.
“It’s nice to be able to come in off the left wing on my right foot, because I can put balls in and I don’t need to look sometimes. He was there today and hopefully there will be a few more of those this season.
“He’s not just a big lump – when he heads it, he directs it. He brings other people into play and his touch is superb, and he has a good goalscoring record throughout his career.
“He’s a great signing for the club and I’m looking forward to playing with him.”