Exeter City manager, Paul Tisdale, was happy with the Grecians’ display in their 1-1 draw with Swindon Town, but feels his side could have taken all three points away from the County Ground.
Liam McAlinden had put City ahead in the first half after he tapped in from close range following Reuben Reid’s strike, but Swindon pulled a goal back through Kaiyne Woolery to level the match at 1-1.
City had opportunities to get on the scoresheet more than once, and Tis admits they feel slightly hard done by after being denied a penalty appeal, as well as having the ball cleared away despite claims that it had crossed the goal line.
Tis said: “We’re a little bit disappointed that we didn’t get more. We played really well, it was a really good game but I’m disappointed we didn’t get the three points.
“In the first half, I thought we should have had two penalties in the space of two seconds. There was a handball on the line from David Wheeler’s side foot, and we still think the ball went over the line before that, and David was taken out with two feet. Anywhere else on the pitch it’s a straight red card, I know he’s trying to block the shot, but he’s followed through with two feet and injured David.”
Despite being unable to find a winning goal at a tough stadium to travel to, Tis was pleased with how his players performed against Swindon.
He continued: “We’ve enjoyed the day, but as I say we’d have liked to turn it into three points. Maybe on another day we’d have got the other goal. I was really pleased with how the players played. Ten percent more of something I think would have got us that win.”
The result means the Grecians have taken four points from their opening two fixtures in Sky Bet League Two, having sealed a 1-0 win over Cambridge United last weekend.
The City boss is pleased with the return going into next weekend’s match with Lincoln City at St James Park
Tis said: “A solid start overall. You can play really well and lose games and it can knock confidence easily. We need to be competitive, but I’ve got no regrets about picking up four points from our first two matches.
“We’ve shown some really good moments of ability, and the team was full of a level of competency today in terms of determination and shape, which is going to give us a good foundation this year.”