Grecians manager reflects on point in Wales
EXETER CITY manager Paul Tisdale lauded a point gained as opposed to two dropped after the Grecians left Rodney Parade with a 1-1 draw."We were justified in being wary of the game," he said. "History would show you that the sort of changes as Newport County have had over the twenty-four hours prior to the game will often provide a catalyst for an improvement in form. We were certainly prepared for that kind of eventuality. As the game developed, and especially for the first hour, I thought we looked pretty comfortable and disciplined. I asked the players not to be too complacent or overconfident after the win in midweek. We got the goal, and after that I thought we were pretty competent in defending that lead.
"We conceded a goal from a break - they counter-attacked us from our free-kick, and that's disappointing. But it is always going to be a difficult game, going up against a team that has just changed their manager. Our preparations were null and void almost instantly. Having been a goal up, it is excusable to think that we've dropped two points today, but we've certainly gained one. We can't be too downhearted with things, and we'll now shift our focus to the next game."
The Grecians came up against a Newport side boosted by Friday's appointment of former Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan, and Tis hinted that might have given the home team an advantage.
"I think it's safe to say that John would have had the advantage of being able to predict our shape and setup more than we could have predicted theirs," he said. "That being said, he's got a very tough job on his hands here, but he did a good job today and he's got a point for his team. We all want to win games, and we're all trying as hard as each other, but both sides have got a lot of work ahead.
"I think Joel Grant looked a threat today, and he had a bit of energy about him. I'm not surprised he got the goal, because he and Lee Holmes had something about them today. I'm pleased for him in getting his second goal for the club today, but we go home content with the point, but disappointed that it's not three."
The Grecians are next in action in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park on Tuesday evening. Ticket info is here, and here is further info for travelling fans.