Exeter City manager Matt Taylor was delighted with his side as they battled to record a third consecutive win in Sky Bet League Two.
Following victories over Crewe Alexandra and Oldham Athletic the Grecians recorded a 2-1 win over Darren Way’s side with goals from Lee Holmes and Jayden Stockley at St James Park.
Following the match, Matt said “After this poor run of form we’ve had, I’m delighted with three wins on the bounce. I said to them that if you win three games at any level then you bounce up the table. Full credit to them, when we had the blip, we stayed close to it and picked up some points in terms of draws. We’re not in a bad position, we would have taken this at the start of the season.”
In terms of the performance from the Grecians, who had only battled back to win 3-2 away from home three days ago, Matt felt there were positives but admitted there were some tired bodies on the field.
“In terms of the game I felt we played some pretty good football in the first half, full credit to Yeovil who go at us in the second half and we lost a little bit of control in terms of our back line and they probably deserved to equalise.
“They’re tired, which is testament to the effort that they put in at Oldham. In the second half we looked a bit leggy but full credit to the character and the personality of the group towards the end.”
Matt also praised the substitute’s performances at St James Park who came in and helped the Grecians over the line to claim all three points.
He continued: “I’ve just spoken to Tristan (Abrahams) and Chio (Chiedozie Ogbene) because their jobs, in terms of knowing their roles at set pieces, at the end was crucial and won us the game.
“Chio was in the right place, recycled possession with Nicky (Law) and Tristan ran across the near post which gave us the opportunity. It’s a massive three points, it’s been a long time coming in terms of beating Yeovil, they may feel harshly done by, but it’s a derby game and I’ll take three points.”
The Grecians’ opener came courtesy of Lee Holmes who continued to impress following two assists at Oldham on December 22.
Matt explained: “It was an excellent strike, he’s got that quality. We’ve got to keep him fit, I’ve got to look after him, his body was just tightening up a bit. He’s played a lot of football in his career so he’s one we have really got to look after him, but he’s got that quality. I want more and more from him, to do it on a regular basis, but it was a great goal. Coming to the Park over the last two weeks we’ve seen Lee Martin’s and Lee Holmes’ goals which is a sign of real quality.”
On the goal that the Grecians conceded, when Tom James fired in, Matt was well aware about how the opportunity presented itself to Yeovil but says it’s hard to criticise his players overall.
“It was a good strike, said Matt. “But I know exactly what was wrong with the build-up. I can’t fault the players, if they’re giving me everything like they are doing at the moment. Full credit to them, since day one when I came into this role, they’ve given me everything, and I think everyone who was here today could see that. You know they’ve given everything because they’re out on their feet at times, but that’s League Two football, they’re still learning and improving as a group. We’ve had a bit of a blip and then you go and win three games like that, it’s testament to the character.”
The City boss also praised Jayden Stockley, who netted his fourth goal in two games, as he scored his 50th goal for the club late in the game.
Matt said: “I’m delighted for him, he was outstanding last week, and physically his levels might have been a little bit low today. They handled him pretty well, but the good thing about Jayden is that if they’re handling him then there’s space elsewhere on the pitch. Dara had an opportunity in the first half from a corner because Jayden was a marked man as he should be because he scores goals. If it fell to anyone at that time, off the back of a hat-trick last week, you want it to be Jayden. I’m pleased for him and if he keeps scoring then the team is doing well."