City boss gives his reaction to a win at the Park
After seeing his side triumph by a comprehensive 3-0 scoreline against Southend United at St James Park, Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale praised his side’s attention to details in the preparation and on the field for earning the victory.
As well as earning a valuable three points – putting City into third in the npower League 2 table – it also ended a winless run dating back for over two months at the Park, and maintained Exeter’s 100 per cent record for 2013.
“It was built on a very determined group of players, as we have been for the last number of home games,” said Tisdale. “I’m really pleased with the way we’ve stuck to the basics to do the right things, and scored some really good goals to boot.”
Two-goal striker John O’Flynn also drew praise from the manager, as he moved into double-figures for the season. The Irishman endured a frustrating 2011/12 campaign with injury, but has contributed plenty of crucial goals this term – and linked up once more with his countryman Jimmy Keohane for a wonderful last goal.
“John is showing the form that we were hoping for last year, but he was blighted by his injury,” continued Tis. “He showed real signs in pre-season, but he’s really coming into his own now.
“I loved the final goal. Jimmy Keohane showed that selfless attitude to set his teammate up – very few players would have done that. He’s really shown that he’s a classy player.”
But as well as the individual performances that were on display, Tisdale commended the team effort which had allowed City to look prolific when attacking and look compact in defence.
“They were 11 players who were all playing for the team. Whether you get things wrong or right, they’re all playing together, moving together, and trying their very best.
“We’re trying to improve on the details, such as defending set-pieces and attacking set-pieces, and all the things which in isolation you don’t pay much attention to. But stick them all together over weeks and months, they make small differences over many weeks and hopefully we start to put results together.”
And in particular the City boss was delighted to be able to give the fans at St James Park something to cheer about. Those that have followed City across the length and breadth of the country have been treated to some unbelievable performances and results, but it was a much-needed triumph on home-soil which has brought back the feel-good factor to the Park.
“They’ve been through some anxious times at home this season. We haven’t given the supporters much to cheer about – but today, maybe we have done. The players have to work things out through trial and error and through seeing and experiencing the season so far.
“Details over a period of time start to get their rewards. We’ve got a long way to go, but we’re making progress.”