Exeter City winger Randell Williams is expecting nothing more than a difficult encounter when the Grecians make the trip to Stevenage for the first away match of their 2019/20 campaign.
City go into the match following an opening day win over Macclesfield Town, and after coming up against Dino Maamria’s side last season, the winger is expecting another tough task as City look to make it back-to-back wins at the start of the season.
The City number 11 explained: “I know they like to play; they have target men and they’re dangerous from set pieces, so we have to be careful and stick to what we’re good at.
“It was a difficult one (last season), we knew what we had to do as we tried to make the play-offs last season, but it didn’t quite happen. They’re a decent side.
“It’s always good to start well and get the three points. The first half (v Macclesfield) wasn’t great, but in the second half we came out running and got at them.”
Randell joined the Grecians from Watford on a permanent deal in January this year and made 10 appearances as he settled into life in Devon.
Now with a full-pre-season behind him, Randell believes he can only get better as he seeks to make an impact this season for the Grecians.
He said: “Last season I didn’t play as much as I wanted to, but this season I want to grab more goals and assists if possible. I’ve hit the post and crossbar and I’ve had one roll across the line, so I’ve done everything but (score.) It happens, and hopefully I can add to my tally.
“The boys know what I’m good at, I want to get the ball and take the man to the byline and get crosses in and let the strikers do their job. We understand each other and it’s really good to play with these boys.
“Pre-season helps, you get a bit more of an understanding, you get more bonding time with the boys. We were together in Jersey and we did lots of things together, even with the new boys coming in, they’ve settled well and we’re looking forward to the season."
Randell also says there is strong competition for places amongst the City ranks and believes that will only help the squad in their performances as they battle for a starting spot.
“It’s always going to be competitive, wherever you go, it doesn’t matter,” said Randell. “It’s always good to have someone to push you because you don’t want to get too comfortable.
“We’re a team and whoever plays we’ve got each other’s backs.”