Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale was pleased with his side’s performance as the Grecians secured a 2-0 win at St James Park against Grimsby Town.
Goals either side of half-time from Jayden Stockley and then Liam McAlinden gave City the win against Russell Slade’s side in wet conditions.
Following the result, Tis said: “I hoped for a win, I hoped for that type of performance. A clean sheet is something that we must focus on more often and continue to focus on.
“Today we had a good win, a clean sheet and a couple of good goals and I’m delighted.”
City made two changes to the starting XI that beat Heybridge Swifts last weekend, with Lee Holmes coming in as Liam McAlinden partnered Jayden Stockley in the forward positions, and Tis praised his performance.
He said: “I select players, it’s often seen as some kind of punishment or detriment to someone else but I select 11 players, if I had more spots to fill I would fill them. I decided to select Liam today, he’s been playing very well and training very well.
Despite rotating, Tis explained how he picked the team best suited to getting a positive result, he continued: “I certainly don’t want to see it as any judgement on Reuben Reid, but more of a judgement on Liam in training and playing.”
Tis was also quick to praise his side’s defensive display as they kept a clean sheet, despite being put under considerable aerial pressure at times by Russell Slade’s side.
Tis said: “We defended really well, it was a game of basics and we made very few mistakes, we were very committed in really poor conditions.
“The back four defended really well, they were clear and focused on what their job was today and they ably protected Christy Pym’s 18-yard-box more than just a few times.
Jake Taylor also won praise from his manager after he was moved inside to play in central midfield alongside Hiram Boateng, with Lloyd James missing out through suspension.
Tis continued: “It’s well documented that Jake can play in about seven or eight positions. You’ve got to put the players on the pitch that you think will get the best result and Jake is someone who often changes position to allow others to come into the side.
“He is so confident, he can play across the midfield, at full back or even in forward positions.”