Ahead of Exeter City’s clash with Tavistock AFC on Wednesday night in the Devon St Lukes Bowl, the Grecians’ Head of Coaching and Player Development, Kevin Nicholson, admitted that the semi-final will provide a great learning experience for all of the younger players who are involved.
“Tavistock are a physical side, who are relatively direct, and they possess players in their ranks that were part of the local professional sides from Plymouth and Torquay. I think they have a centre-back who played at West Ham too.
“The biggest challenge that Wednesday will provide is the physical nature of the game. When they will be in situations like attacking free-kicks, they will be looking to hold us off. Typically it will be more direct than what the boys face in the Merit League. But, if we can keep the ball away from them with our possession game, then physically we should have the edge in fitness because we are the team that train full-time.
“Of course, there will be a few nerves beforehand because it is a semi-final, but it is another experience that we will have to learn how to handle. They are no mugs, and the level of nous that they will have, you don’t get that when we play in the Merit League.
“They are an ambitious club, and they will want to beat us. They are a kind of different opponent than what the younger boys are probably used to, but we’ll have different weapons at our disposal that we’ll look to use.”
The Story so Far
A young City side have performed admirably so far in the competition this season, with their first-round victory coming back in September when goals from Eli Collins and Sonny Cox defeated Plymouth Marjon.
In November, the Grecians progressed from round two following a 2-1 over Honiton Town with Joe Wragg and Collins getting on the scoresheet.
Exeter’s youngsters booked their place in the semis with a dominant 2-0 victory over Axminster Town. George Spencer and an own goal separated the two clubs on the cold January night at Tiger Way.
Match Details
Tonight’s match kicks off at Langsford Park at 7:30pm.
Admission details:
- Adults: £6
- Concessions: £4
- U12 free with paying adult