Manager Gary Caldwell has praised his side's second half performance, despite falling to a 2-1 home defeat to Reading at St James Park.
After an uncharacteristic first half display that saw the Grecians trail 2-0, Ilmari Niskanen's first goal in red and white pulled City back into the game midway through the second period. The Grecians dominated the chances and possession in the second 45 but could not find a crucial leveller, with Niskanen denied a brace by the post.
"We were sloppy, getting caught in the ball and Reading did exactly what we worked on all week and we still weren't ready for it," Gary said.
"But the second half was outstanding and it's as good as we have played all season. We were agressive and on the front foot, and we played through them at times. We had chance after chance and just couldn't get that second goal. We hit the post, it was bouncing everywhere."
"I really feel we deserved something from the game but that's football. We have to learn from the first half and continue the second half."