Winger praises battling qualities after comeback against Yeovil
David Wheeler believes that Exeter City’s fighting spirit will be vital in the final run-in of their League Two promotion chase.
City battled back from three goals down to draw against Yeovil Town on Saturday. It was a result that means that the Grecians maintain their place in the play-off zone as they prepare for a crunch weekend fixture against fellow play-off contenders Mansfield Town.
Wheeler reckons that City’s remarkable late comeback against Yeovil, which saw the Grecians score three goals in the last four minutes, proves the belief instilled throughout the squad as they enter the business end of the season.
“If we keep believing, it is always possible,” he said. “It shows our fight this season and our desire to be at the minimum in the play-offs and with a chance of going up.”
City went on a 12-game unbeaten run over the winter period and Wheeler believes that this is evidence of the squad’s belief in their ability.
“It wasn’t luck that we went on that run,” he said
“We had the belief that we could do it and that is what we will need come the end of the season.”
Wheeler also suggested that the Grecians need to improve their defending ahead of the League Two run-in. City, who sit a point ahead of ninth-placed Mansfield, have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 matches.
“We’ve been leaking too many goals lately,” said Wheeler.
“Our squad has high standards that haven’t necessarily been met. We need to train well to make sure we plug those gaps at the back.
“By working hard on the training pitch, we can make sure we put that right going into the last few games.”
City full-back Craig Woodman has been ruled out of the Mansfield clash after suffering a broken arm on the weekend, whilst Jake Taylor may also miss out.
However, key man Lee Holmes is in contention to return to the match-day squad for the first time since Boxing Day after recovering well from ankle ligament damage.
