Exeter City FC

The first thing to say is that it was overwhelmingly apparent during the first 20 minutes that it was City's first game of the pre-season and Exeter's fourth. And if light needed shedding on which young players had not been following their training schedules - well, there was no sign of Bexfield, Renton or Arnold.
The absence of several players who, I presume, will make our starting XI meant that Grant fielded two very odd teams - particularly in the first half. My thoughts on the players:

Lewis (first half): made one fine save with his face, and also bravely went down at a forward's feet. This was the first time I had seen him play since Menorca and he seems to have filled out. No chance with either goal. 6/10.

Hughes (RB throughout): Looked solid, fit and committed. However when he got forward his crossing was at the level he produced at Colchester so 4/10.

Shackell (CB and Captain for most of match). OK basically and had a bit of a barney with the Exeter no. 8. No suggestion that he realised he as Captain though. 5/10.

Eagle (LB first half). Come back Pat Boyle all is forgiven! This is an experiment we won't try again. At fault for both goals. 1/10

Croft (RW for most of match). Puffing a bit, seemed reluctant to take on his man, crossing was worse than Hughes's - but there was some nice interplay with Cureton and Striker. 3/10.

Spillane (CM first half). I didn't actually see him do anything. 3/10.

Doherty (CM first half, CB second). Memo to Peter Grant: he can't play midfield. He can't pass. Memo to Peter Grant: he can't play defence. A player signed to play in the Premier League should not be turned by Conference players this easily. Lets hope no. 5 is vacant for a reason. 3/10.

Chadwick (LM first half). The pick of the players in the first half. Good finish and can do that tricky "passing to people in a yellow shirt" thing. 7/10

Cureton (F first half). Started crap and all the bad memories came flooding back, thereafter he was sharp fast and tricky. 6/10

Striker (F first half). Occasionally off the pace, but won some good balls in the air, can hold the ball up and lay it off, has a powerful shot. I was encouraged by this. 6/10.

Gallagher (second half): not much to do - came out for one cross and flapped which is why we won't see much more of him 5/10.

Halliday (CB late on) no time to assess

Drury (LB second half) Not much to do and don't remember him getting forward much. 5/10

Martin (LM second half) Still looks quality to me, but not on the left wing 5/10.

Safri (CM second half). Pick of the second half. Don't let him go . 7/10.

Rossi J (CM second half) Has an unfeasibly small head but played ok. 5/10

Brown (F second half). Was lively throughout but failed to take an easy chance. 5/10.

Ryan Jarvis (F for about half an hour). I have no idea how he scored those goals for Orient, because on this showing there is nothing to suggest that he has any clue as to how a forward should play. 2/10

Bally Smart (RW for a bit). A few fancy flicks, but crossing of Lee Croft standard 4/10.

Look on the bright side though, most of these won't get near our proper starting XI.

Posted By: Creosote Ah Um on July 15th 2007 at 18:58:48

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