Exeter City will be looking to get back to winning ways in EFL Sky Bet League Two on Saturday in an all south west clash against Cheltenham Town (3pm).
Exeter City manager Matt Taylor says there will be no excuses going into this weekend’s match with Cheltenham Town, despite a number of players being unavailable through injury and suspension.
The Grecians were without seven first team players for their game last weekend – away at Cambridge United in the FA Cup first round – and that situation has not improved.
“If anything it might have got a little bit worse, but it is what it is,” said Matt. “It is probably the worst it has been during my time at the football club as manager, but there is nothing we can do about it. If we get stronger from this point on in terms of bodies coming back and being available then that will be a bonus.”
Watch Matt's full pre-match interview👇
POST ARMISTICE CEREMONY
This Saturday's match against Cheltenham Town is our annual dedicated post-Armistice day match as we 'Remember Together'.
PLEASE NOTE: Turnstiles will stop operating at around 2:55pm tomorrow, until after the minute's silence, so the silence can be maintained whilst we show our respect Please arrive early if you want to be part of it.
Because the match is after Armistice Day the last post will not be performed by a bugler. The rest of the short service will remain the same.
The exhortation will be read by Kevin Jeffrey, Royal British Legion County Chairman with Major Colin Pape DL, Lord Lieutenant’s office laying the first wreath before presenting the referee with the match ball.
Other wreaths will be laid on the pitch by both football clubs, the Royal British Legion, the Royal Marines, the Trust, a Cheltenham Town supporter and Exeter City supporters Lewis and Cameron.
There will be a minute's silence before the match.
Collection boxes in the bars and shop please take this last opportunity to give generously.
In Red Square there will be Military touchables provided by Coldstream Guards and Commando Training Centre Royal Marines Lympstone, and an opportunity to dress up in military attire for selfies. There will be a chin-up competition and 'how long can you dangle' competition provided by CTCRM. Winners of each competition will be presented with a match ball at half time by CTCRM!
TICKET NEWS
Tickets are on sale at advance prices until 5pm in person and midnight online, on Friday, November 15 so you can save time and money, and pick your seat in advance. Click here to book online.
THE CONTEXT
City come into the match on the back of
Last time out in the league, the Grecians fell to a 2-0 defeat to Bradford City at Valley Parade despite a very strong showing in the first-half.
Cheltenham were in Leasing.com Trophy action on Tuesday night in a remarkable match against Newport County at the Jonny Rocks Stadium which finished in a 4-7 defeat for the Robins.
Their last league match was a derby with rivals Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, November 2 which ended in a 2-1 defeat thanks to goals from Jack Aitchison and Elliott Frear. Luke Varney pulled a goal back midway through the second half but it just wasn't enough to take anything from the match.
MATCH DAY COVERAGE
As usual, we’ll have the match covered across our social media channels and we’ll have a post-match interview with manager Matt Taylor and a player as they reflect on the result. You can also tune into BBC Radio Devon to listen to commentary as well.
Over the weekend you will be able to watch short and extended highlights (extended if subscribed to iFollow) and the SJP 360 recap of the match.
LAST TIME WE MET
Exeter City 1 Cheltenham Town 0 (Leasing.com Trophy - September 3, 2019)
The Grecians and the Robins last met in the Leasing.com Trophy as Nicky Ajose's early strike was enough for City to pick up a 1-0 win.
MATCH SPONSORS
Our match sponsors are Bishop's Lacey, associate sponsor is Ruddlesden Geotechnical and our ball sponsor is Synergy Plastics/
We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support and wish them a pleasant day at St James Park.
MATCH DAY PROGRAMME
Our award-winning match day programme returns this Saturday and as usual has a whole host of content for supporters of all ages. Inside we’ll have a feature interview with Randell Williams, who discusses assisting the team and the season so far.
Junior Grecians can take part in our quizzes and local journalists Matt Bamsey and Alan Richardson cast their eyes over the Grecians and the wider footballing world.
MASCOTS
You can read the mascot profiles in the match day programme which you can pick up in the stadium for ÂŁ3.00 on the day. For mascot booking or information, please contact andy.gillard@ecfc.co.uk.
CLUB SHOP
The club shop will be open from 10:30am and closes once supporters have left SJP, giving you the opportunity to make some purchases ahead of the match including the popular new third kit! There is a great range for all City supporters including training wear, mugs, scarves and a selection of pocked money items for kids.
MATCHDAY ACTIVITIES
As ever, football at the Park isn't just about the 90 minutes on the pitch, we've got a whole host of opportunities and experiences to make your matchday extra special.
FREE Face Painting
The face painters are a valuable addition to matchdays and judging by the sights around the ground it is just as popular with adults as well as youngsters.
Face painting will be available in Red Square from 1:30pm to 2:30pm and in the Stagecoach Adam Stansfield Stand from 2:30pm to 3pm.
Announce the team in the Centre Spot
Steve Darke, the master of ceremonies for the match will be asking a home supporter to announce the City side and a Cheltenham Town supporter to announce the away side at 2:05pm. If you would like to do this head to the Information Point before 2pm.
There will also be the Quiz, 'tell us a joke and make us laugh' and 'Play your Cards' right.
Join the Guard of Honour
Want to be on the pitch as the players enter SJP? Then be part of the flag waving, Guard of Honour! This Saturday lucky children will be chosen from the Thatchers Big Bank at 2:25pm.
After assembling, the Guard of Honour (and parents) move to the far side of ground to get some practice in waving their flags, which also presents an opportunity for Grecian to pose for photographs.
When the players finish their warm up the Guard of Honour go on their 'lap of honour' in front of the stands to the players’ tunnel. After they have been on the field and welcomed the teams and officials onto the pitch they receive their “gift” (normally a packet of sweets) and certificates of participation.
If your son, daughter or grandchild has not been involved in the Guard of Honour, please email customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk.
Junior Grecians Lounge
The Junior Grecians are the Official Junior Supporters Club of Exeter City FC.
The room provides a safe comfortable environment for families to enjoy pre-match entertainment, such as a large screen TVs, Playstation consoles and Table Football, as well as the option to enjoy refreshments from the Zone’s very own kiosk.
A feature wall displaying a packed Big Bank also provides a photo-sharing opportunity using the #jgzone hashtag. There are activities and competitions to suit all junior age groups, from FIFA19 and Table Football tournaments to free Activity Packs for younger children.
The Zone also features a VIP party area and there are several party packages available to book throughout the season.
So, if you are visiting St James Park on a matchday with children, be sure to pop in to the family zone!
New for this season, is the Family Zone 2 in the Stagecoach Adam Stansfield Stand, the astroturfed area includes a photo wall opportunity, table football, and beanbags where children can gather to play games and relax before kick-off.
Matchday timetable
Take a look below to familiarise yourself with the key matchday timings here at St James Park.
For the Adults
BOTTLE BAR
On the Big Bank on Saturday?
We will again have the bottle bar in the triangle kiosk, with Carlsberg plastic bottles available at half-time for just ÂŁ3.50
Post-match Pint
Make sure you visit the Centre Spot bar after the match, where pints of Thatchers, Carlesberg and Tribute and selected Ales at the FECRACE bar are just ÂŁ3.
Don't forget Exeter City Supporters' Trust members save 20% off all other drinks!
Other Activities
Signed team sheets will be available for a donation.
You can also pick up some free player stickers, from the Ambassadors, the Information Point and the Tombola Stand, this week's player is former Cheltenham Town player Nigel Atangana!
Any City supporters who want a family picture in the home dug out to the Tombola stall by 1:50pm.
You can also take part in the Exeter City tombola where the first prize is a signed Exeter City football. All funds raised go directly to the academy to support the future of the club. There are TWO opportunities to pull out number 25 (Jake Taylor!) and win a signed match ball.