Midfielder looks back on parity with the Shrimps
Grecians midfielder Tom McCready feels that Exeter City’s season and their play-off ambitions are still very much alive after a 1-1 draw with Morecambe.City’s hopes of finishing among the top-seven looked slim a month ago, but an undefeated record in March – three wins and two draws – has made that ambition tenable again.
Ultimately Exeter had to come from behind to earn a point against the Shrimps – McCready’s former teammate Aaron McGowan had the visitors ahead but Alex Nicholls equaliser late in the second half.
And while Tom felt City could have got more from the game, it still keeps those hopes alive.
“I think we probably deserved to win the game with how we passed it and the possession we had,” said McCready.
“Everyone at this level is a good side and everyone can beat everyone, so you knew when they got a chance they would be dangerous. But I thought we deserved to win it.
“It is important that you don’t lose the game – it keeps the run going and we’re unbeaten in six now. Tis said that in the past when we conceded, we might have conceded another one – so keeping it at one and keeping ourselves in the game means there are positives to take from it.
“There is still a lot to play for. You’ve seen how quick the picture can change so we’ve got to keep working hard, keeping trying to tune our performances, and try to get some points on the board ultimately.”
McGowan’s goal – his first in professional football – came against the run of play after early dominance from Exeter.
It allowed Morecambe to have something to sit on but sub Nicholls did well to take a Tom Nichols cross and hammer Exeter level late on.
“Each team at this level is dangerous when they play to their own strengths,” he continued. “Dominating the ball is what we like to do and them hitting us on the break is typical of how they play away.
“It knocked us for six when we conceded that goal and we needed to regroup quickly. I thought we had a decent first half, the goal aside.
“Our goal was great – Alex had loads of time but sometimes they are the hardest ones, when you’ve got a decision to make on where to put it. So great credit to him for a great finish.
“It did feel like it was coming so thankfully we got one – we’re disappointed not to get another but we’ll take it and move on.”
McCready’s inclusion in the starting XI against his former employers represented his full debut in Exeter colours, after appearances against AFC Wimbledon and Cheltenham Town from the bench.
A lively start from the midfielder – which saw him test goalkeeper Andreas Arestidou within a minute of kick-off, and then flash a shot just past the post later in the first half.
“I felt quite good to be fair in the first half and I thought I was decent,” said McCready. “I tired a little bit in the second half; I thought I was fitter than that to be honest so that’s something to work on.
“I thought that shot was in to be honest. That’s what I like to do – I like to get shots off. Looking back I was happy with myself in the first half.
“Overall I’m disappointed I couldn’t keep that going in the second half but it was my first start and I’ll keep working hard and hopefully those full 90 performances will come sooner rather than later.”