Exeter City midfielder Lee Martin says the Grecians’ experience in their ranks could serve them well as they go into the final match of the season away from home at Forest Green Rovers.
City are in with a chance of qualifying for the end of season play-offs but will be relying on Newport County to drop points at Morecambe as City try to take all three points at the New Lawn.
The Grecians have the likes of Lee himself, Nicky Law, Jake Taylor, Dean Moxey and Craig Woodman within their ranks, all players with vast experience in the Football League, which is something Lee believes could prove helpful ahead of the pressure match.
Ahead of the trip to Gloucestershire, Lee explained: “Experience is key, some will be experiencing this for the first time but a few of the senior boys will have been in these situations, or even worse like final day relegation. We should just enjoy it because it’s a great opportunity.
“With the result on Tuesday (Newport beating Oldham), it is what it is, it’s down to us to prepare as well as we can and worry about ourselves and the rest will be taken care of itself.
“We’ve got a good mix of youth and experience and we’re showing our capabilities. I think we’ve done it in spits and spurts, but it gives us confidence going into the last game. This season isn’t finished yet and it’s going to go the wire.”
City go into the match following a positive 1-1 draw at Stevenage which preceded a 1-0 win over Oldham Athletic last time out, and with the side on a good run, Lee says he and his teammates have reason to be confident against Mark Cooper’s side.
“We’ve got momentum and we want to put a good performance in,” said Lee. “We’ve been good in the second halves over the last two games, so we’re confident.
Lee has also set up two goals for in-form striker Ryan Bowman recently with some dangerous crosses from out wide which is something he’s pleased to have delivered to the striker.
He continued: “I’m back out wide, when you’re out there you have to try and provide for the big man. He’s been superb since he’s come in, his work rate and now he’s added goals I’m delighted for him. Long may it continue.”
Lee, who joined the Grecians last summer after departing League One side Gillingham, says he has enjoyed his first season in Devon and wants to kick on into next season to help the club to success.
The midfielder said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time. It’s been a bit stop-start on the football side, but since moving down here with my family from the first minute we’ve been welcomed, and we’ve enjoyed it. I’d like to have contributed a little bit more on the pitch but that’s football sometimes and you can have stop-start seasons, but it’s set me up for a good push next year.”
With the Exeter City fans having already sold out their allocation for the trip to Forest Green, Lee believes they could well provide the team with an extra push on the final day of the season.
He continued: “They’ve been brilliant, they were on Saturday, and no doubt the travelling fans will be right behind us. It’s something that can edge us a little bit closer but, essentially, it’s down to us to put on a show for them, we’ve got to remain confident going into it and whatever will be will be.”