Exeter City's attentions turn to the Papa John's Trophy and Friday night football as the Grecians take on Portsmouth in round two on Friday, January 7, 7:30pm.
City will be looking to build on Tuesday night's draw with league leaders Forest Green Rovers and book a trip to face Cambridge United in round three on the following Tuesday.
The Grecians face a Portsmouth side for the first time since they met in the semi-finals of the competition in 2020. A dramatic encounter saw City take the lead in extra-time before Cameron McGeehan and John Marquis scored in injury-time to give Portsmouth what, looked a time, an unlikely victory.
Matt Taylor's thoughts
Speaking ahead of the rescheduled round two tie the manager said:
"We've got senior players coming back so genreally this squad will be strong, depending on where every one is preparation and game time wise.
"The bench was strong on Tuesday and I'm expecting it to be strong again on Friday."
With rotation usual in the EFL Trophy, Taylor is looking at another opportunity for his fringe players:
"There's no better opportunity than the next game. It's a competitive game against the best opposition, on our home pitch which we haven't played on for a while. We've looked at playing on Friday nights from afar.
"We'll see how our fans take to it, we'll see how how the fans take to it but at the end of the day it's a real cup tie so it's a fantastic opportunity for the players on that pitch."
Watch all of Taylor's interview below👇
Ben Seymour's thoughts
Talking ahead of the game the 22 year-old striker was looking forward to the challenge.
"Friday offers the first good minutes of the season for me, playing in front of the manager. I'm really looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a good game. We want to put in a good performance and hopefully give our crowd a good win."
Check out all Ben had to say below👇
Match Tickets
E-tickets are the easiest and quickest way to buy tickets for City matches. On ordering you can select to receive an e-ticket which will be emailed to your phone for you to show on the turnstile - no need to print!
To purchase tickets online, please click here. Please note that you will need to log in to purchase.
You can also call the club during the normal office hours on 01392 411243 or visit the club shop and reception in person between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday. We ask that you please buy online where possible.
Tickets are on general sale with both the IP Office Main Stand and Thatchers Big Bank open on the night.
Match tickets for the fixture that have already been purchased will be valid for the new date.
Ticket prices
- Adults: £8
- Seniors: £5
- 18-23s: £5
- Under-18s: £3
- Adults: £10
- Seniors: £7
- 18-23s: £5
- Under-18s: £5
How To Follow
As the match is on a Friday it can be streamed in the UK and Overseas. Click here to purchase.
You can keep up to date with all the action by following us on social media. After the match we will bring you reaction from manager Matt Taylor and a player.
Matchday Guide
Many things may have changed since your last visit to SJP, or this could be your first ever visit to us, so please take time to familiarise yourself with our new match day guide, which highlights everything you need to know for your return to the ground.
Important COVID Guidance
Whilst we are back to normal at SJP, please be aware that some spectators may not be as comfortable as others about attending matches. Please take time to familar yourself with the club's, and government's, Covid guidelines to ensure we keep each safe at St James Park.
Centre Spot Bar
The Centre Spot Bar will be open from 5pm. After the match, draft pints of Tribute, Carlsberg and Thatchers are on offer for just £3 per pint.
On special we have pints of Tribute in the Centre Spot Bar and Exeter Avocet in the Red Square bar for just £2.50 until stocks last.
Junior Grecians Zone
The Junior Grecians Zone is closed for this match. We appologise for any inconvience!
Club Shop
The club shop is open until kick-off matchdays and is stocked with all three of City's kits for the 21/22 season as well as a range of training gear and pocket money items.
Don't forget, Supporters' Trust members save 10% on full prices purchases!
Food and Drink
One of the most important part of any match day! We have a wide range of hot and cold drinks and snacks available at the kiosk for away fans.
Hot Food
Portsmouth's last match
Cambridge United 0 Portsmouth 0 | Jan 3, 2022 | EFL Sky Bet League One
Pompey began 2022 by picking up a point in a goalless draw with Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium.
Previous Encounter
Portsmouth 3 Exeter City 2 | February 18, 2020 | Leasing.com Trophy semi-final
Exeter City's chances of going to Wembley Stadium in the Leasing.com Trophy final were cruelly ended by two injury-time goals from Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
The Grecians who had led twice late on through goals from Jake Taylor and a deflected cross from Joel Randall, were undone when Cameron McGeehan and John Marquis scored in injury-time to give Portsmouth what, looked a time, an unlikely victory.