With just three matches of the 20/21 season to go, the Grecians return to action at St James Park on Tuesday night to face rock bottom Grimsby Town who are fighting for their Football League status.
The Grecians will be buoyed by their heroics on Tuesday night when they fought to a 1-1 draw at Newport County, despite playing the whole second half with nine men due to Alex Hartridge and Ryan Bowman's red cards.
This does of course mean both players will be unavailable for the match, but Robbie Willmott is set for a return after sitting out in midweek due to his loan deal from the Welsh side.
Grimsby have had two week's rest since their last match, also at Newport, where they recorded a 1-0 defeat.
JOSH KEY'S THOUGHTS
Exeter City defender Josh Key has said that the Grecians are still full of belief that a strong end to the season could see the team take the final play-off spot.
"We really need to win this one, and Grimsby really need this one as they are fighting to stay up" said Josh. "So it will be a good game to watch and show support for. I think both teams will come out ready to go."
With a lot still to play for Josh emphasised that it means a lot to the whole squad to end on a high:
"Footballers wouldn't play football if they weren't competitive. It's a must win game and we are all really up for it. The lads are ready to go and we've trained well."
Grimsby need to win on Tuesday night to have any hope of avoiding the drop, and that could mean a more open match at St James Park.
"They have had some good results against the bigger teams and may back themselves, but I feel our best beats there best, I don't want to be disrespectful as they deserve credit but if we bring our best we should win, but they are fighting and it's a must win for them."
"Most people know that if we can get the ball down and start playing we are a good team. Hopefully it will be an open game where we can do the things we are better at."
You can watch Josh's full interview ⬇️
HOW TO WATCH
Sadly fans can't be at the match but you can get the next best thing by purchasing a match pass at the cost of just £10 in the UK. The stream includes Exeter City Club commentary score overlay and replays.
To purchase a match pass please click here.
MATCHDAY 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.
One To Watch
Jay Matete
Midfielder Matete joined the Mariners on loan from League One side Fleetwood Town and has been ever present in the Grimsby side.
The 19-year-old had made 13 appearances in all competitions for Fleetwood prior to joining the Mariners, including seven league appearances, and had drawn praise from former manager Joey Barton for his performances.
The energetic midfielder has chipped in with two crucial goals in the last couple of weeks in wins over Bolton and Oldham as the Mariners look to avoid relegation.
GRIMSBY TOWN'S LAST MATCH
Oldham Athletic 1 Grimsby Town 2 | 24/04/21 | Sky Bet League Two
Grimsby Town keep themseleves in with a chance of staying up after a comeback victory away at Oldham. Conor McAleny opened the scoring for Oldham on half hour, but they were back on level terms within six minutes as Matt Green made it 1-1.
Jay Matete scored with 10 minutes to go to complete the turnaround and seal three priceless points.
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER
Grimsby 1-4 Exeter City | December 1, 2020
Matt Jay stood out with two goals in a ruthless away victory, whilst Randell Williams and Ryan Bowman also found the target.
Head to Head
Tuesday will be the 39th fixture between Exeter City and Grimsby Town. Out of the nine draws shared, five of them have finished 0-0. There have been 104 goals distributed but only nine in the last five games.
City are unbeaten in their last five visits to Blundell Park stretching back to 1991, stretching that run with a 4-1 victory earlier on this season.
- Exeter wins: 15
- Draws: 9
- Grimsby wins: 15