Exeter City’s Dino Visser was pleased with the side's performance as the Grecians overcame League One side Oxford United in the Leasing.com Trophy.
The goalkeeper was the man of the match, producing several important saves over the course of the 90 minutes before three consecutive penalty saves as City progressed 3-0 in the shoot-out. Matt Jay, Pierce Sweeney and Ben Seymour all scored from the spot.
“I think we kept up a good performance against a good side tonight, probably the toughest team we’ve played thus far in the Leasing.com Trophy, but I think the lads really put in a good shift,” Dino said. “We had some really good opportunities in the first-half, and I think we made a really good account of ourselves.”
It was an entertaining though goalless game, as both sides looked to play on the front foot, and Dino made a couple of vital saves against former Exeter man Jamie Mackie in the second-half to keep the Grecians in the game.
“It’s important that we did so against such good opposition. It gives us a bit of momentum going into the weekend against Northampton, and then going up for the replay against Hartlepool.
“There’s always room for improvement, it’s easy to just look at the end result. I thoroughly enjoyed it this evening. I’ve also got to give credit to my goalkeeper coach – he’s given me a lot of information on the opposition players, their penalties – where they prefer going, what they like to do – so Steve (Hale) has to take a lot of credit there too.”
Speaking about the impressive defensive display the Grecians produced on the night, the South African was very complimentary about those in front of him: “The defence were world class tonight. Jordan Dyer (on debut) put in a really good shift, so did Sparkesy (Jack Sparkes), Woody (Craig Woodman) was phenomenal as always – super steady, super reliable – they were really fantastic. Jayden (Richardson) was up and down the pitch, defending and crossing – he really had a good game as well. It was a thoroughly good performance from everyone on the pitch today.”
Finally, Dino added his thoughts on City’s progress on the competition: “It’s a great opportunity for us to go as far as possible, and to get to Wembley – I mean, why not? We’re an ambitious club that want to be successful in every tournament we play."