Exeter City kick off 2019 with a trip to Swindon Town on New Year’s Day looking to return to winning ways.
The Grecians went into their match with Grimsby Town on a high following three consecutive wins but were stopped in their tracks by a resolute opponent that took away a 2-1 win from St James Park.
Looking ahead to the match with Swindon following the Grimsby defeat, manager Matt Taylor said: “Regardless of how we feel now we have to be positive. Even before their player was sent off, in the first half, there were clearances off the line and saved from the keeper.
“I still want more quality, I want them to make it inevitable that the ball goes in the back of the net. Jayden (Stockley) does that, and that’s why he’s our leading goal scorer and that’s why he did it again. We needed more from the rest of the group in terms of that as well. Sometimes chances fall to the right people, and we hit the target on regular occasions, but they were all at a saveable height for the goalkeeper.
“Lee Holmes missed out through injury (vs Grimsby) so we’ll wait and see, and we hope he will be fit but he has a sore one. There’s been a lot of games in quick succession, I would have liked to have rotated the squad even more but hopefully we go into New Year’s day with a fit enough squad to compete there and get a positive result.”
LAST TIME WE MET
The sides last met back on October 13 at St James Park when City ran out 2-0 winners.
Jonathan Forte netted the first goal with a clever finish on 14 minutes before Jayden Stockley made sure the points were safe with a goal in the 63rd minute.
TICKET NEWS
Tickets are now available on the day for City's trip to the County Ground to face Swindon Town on New Year's Day (Tuesday, January 1, 2019.)
Prices in the Arkell Stand are as follows:
Adult - £23
65+/Student - £17
Under-21 - £10
Under-18 - £6
Under-11 - £2
Advance Discounts? No
Ambulant disabled: Pay age related price and carer free
Wheelchair: As above
Matchday Purchase available? Yes, away ticket office 50 yards from Arkells stand entrance, open at 12:30pm on day of the game.
Car Parking: There are two official car parks open on match day. The County Ground has limited spaces at £10. St Joseph's School is used as a secondary car park and is £5 and a 5-minute walk away.
GRECIAN TRAVEL
The supporters’ coach departs Unit 1 nightclub at 10:30am for a fare of £21.
Pick-up Points are as follows: Unit 1 nightclub (Summerland Street), Honiton Road Park & Ride (by Miller and Carter steakhouse), Cullompton Services (junction 28), Tiverton (junction 27), Taunton (junction 25), any other pick-ups en-route by prior arrangement.
The easiest way to buy is online, or on your mobile using the clubs ticketing system.
For more information or to book please contact Chris Woolcott on 01392 250250 or John Bishop on 07904036334 or by email at: john.bishop760@btinternet.com (after 6pm).
BY ROAD
To get to the County Ground leave the M4 at Junction 15. Take the Commonhead roundabout. Turn left onto the A4259 Marlborough Road. Take the second exit at the roundabout onto Queens Drive. At the next set of roundabouts take the third exit onto County Road - the entrance to the ground is on the first right.
BY RAIL
The train journey from Exeter St Davids to Swindon usually requires at least one change at either Bristol Parkway, Bristol Temple Meads or Westbury and will take just over two hours in most cases. However, there is a direct train on New Year’s Day that leaves Exeter St Davids at 12.18pm and gets you into Swindon at 2pm. Once you have arrived at Swindon train station turn left onto Station Road. Facing the White House pub, head right onto Corporation Street. At the traffic lights turn left onto Manchester Road. At the end of Manchester Road turn right onto County Road. The entrance to the stadium is the second left. This walk should take approximately 10 minutes.
PUBS/FOOD
There is an away supporters bar in use for the 2018/19 season. Bar 71 opens from 12pm on Tuesday, January 1, and is located towards the Stratton Bank at the end of the Arkells Stand. The bar serves both draught beer and lager as well as serving a selection of snacks as well as matchday programmes.
There are a number of pubs located within the main town centre and within walking distance from the County Ground, although visiting supporters are advised to check in advance which pubs will be available to them.