Jack Nex, Fan Blogger, 7th June 2011
The dust has finally settled on another extraordinary season at Exeter City and planning for next season is in full swing, with a so far, pretty successful set of contract negotiations. It's only 20-goal striker Jamie Cureton who hasn't confirmed his future either way, and the longer we don't hear anything about it the more sure I am that we won't be seeing him at Exeter City next season. Although it will of course be a disappointment if he chooses to leave, I'm sure Tisdale has a plan.
With the players enjoying their well earned rest I thought it time to dish out my own set of alternate awards for the 2010/11 season, so here goes:
Best Game: Oldham 3-3 Exeter City
Crikey there were a fair contenders for this one. My thinking behind the award is what would be the one game that in hindsight, I would take a neutral fan too to show off Exeter City, and League One at its best.
After 42 minutes City were down and out, being totally outplayed by a rampant Oldham who stormed into 3-0 lead at the break and unarguably deserved it.
It could have been worse for City as Oldham looked like scoring at every attack and Tisdale's men had the woodwork to thank that it wasn't a seriously embarrassing score. As the game approached the closing stages and Oldham tried to preserve energy, Richard Logan hit a 77th consolation to give the travelling fans something to cheer. However, something happened.
City then turned into the rampant side, had a ridiculous amount of confidence considering the scoreline and in the 85th minute Jamie Cureton made sure of a thrilling finale by making it 3-2.
Then in the 88th minute City were dramatically awarded a penalty and the chance to complete an astonishing comeback. The love of our lives Ryan Harley stepped up, only to see his spot-kick palmed behind by Oldham's keeper. City looked devastated and Oldham players and fans revelled in their relief.
The travelling support had their heads in their hands in despair, but City famously never know when they're beaten and from the resulting corner Dan Nardiello bundled home an extraordinary equaliser with one minute left to spark wild celebrations. I don't think there is a football fan in the world that wouldn't have enjoyed watching that game unfold as City came from 3-0 down with 13 minutes left to salvage a sensational point.
Worst Game: Southampton 4-0 Exeter City
Enough said really. City never got going and the Saints barely had to move out of second gear. Don't think I've ever enjoyed a game less.
Best Performance: Charlton 1-3 Exeter City
This is simply my opinion on the best City performance rather than the game as a whole. With Charlton in good form and with new manager, plus the 25,000 crowd behind them, I'm sure I wasn't the only Grecian at The Valley that day who didn't fancy our chances against the former Premier League side. Turns out I couldn't have been more wrong.
After weathering an early storm, City grew in confidence and tore into Charlton in the second half with three clinical goals from Liam Sercombe, John O'Flynn and Ryan Harley. David Noble put in an outstanding individual display as City recorded one of their most famous wins at the stadium where, not too long ago, they lost 3-1 in the F.A Cup as a Division Three side when Charlton were in the top half of the Premier League. A terrific performance and a real indication of how far we've come.
Worst Performance: Exeter 1-2 Brentford (agg 2-3)
This year's JPT was very special given that, following Adam Stansfield's death, we were subsequently drawn against his former clubs Yeovil and Hereford and after progressing through those ties we were handed a trip to Plymouth Argyle.
A dramatic stoppage time win in the Devon Derby followed by penalty shoot out victory against Bristol Rovers gave City a shot at a Wembley final and a trophy.
A 1-1 draw in the away leg gave City the advantage coming back to St James Park, and with a big crowd, TV cameras and the giant Stanno flag in attendance City had the ammunition to shot down Brentford and head for a Wembley hat-trick under Tisdale. Instead they fired blanks and delivered the most disappointing show of the season being comfortably beaten on home soil.
Goal Of The Season: Liam Sercombe (Sheff Weds Home)
Our very own Liam Sercombe seems to have a habit of only scoring absolute belters, and this certainly added evidence to that argument.
A cross was headed away and fell to Sercombe 30 yards out, and in one movement, he chested it down and truly spanked a wonderful, dipping volley into the top corner. Tekkers.
Player Of The Season: Jamie Cureton
Have to agree with the general consensus on this one. My top three players of the season were James Dunne, Richard Duffy and Cureton.
When deciding who would get my vote I thought about what has been the big difference between this season and last, and the answer is goals. City have been crying out for a 20 goal man for years and finally found him, even it is does turn out to only be for one season, it's been a pleasure having Jamie Cureton at the club.
Highlight Of The Season: Sheffield Wednesday away (88th minute until full time)
For a long time this award was being comfortably won by Nardiello's winner against Argyle, then it looked to have been pipped to the post by Dunne's volley that effectively relegated our arch-rivals. However what happened in the closing stages at Hillsborough will stay with me forever.
It's difficult to explain the atmosphere of pure delirium to people who weren't there, but those who were know what I mean.
Troy's amazing winner, Tisdale's substitute cameo, and 'little ol' Exeter being able to sing "we're taking the p**s" to a club like Sheffield Wednesday was just unforgettable. Amazing way to finish an amazing season.
Enjoy your summer everyone and see you back here next year!! UTC
