Exeter City are quickly back in action as they welcome Championship side Ipswich Town to St James Park in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
The Grecians go into the game following back-to-back wins over Carlisle United and Morecambe in the league, and Matt Taylor could well make some changes to his starting XI.
With the match coming just a few days after a long trip to Morecambe where the Grecians ran out 2-0 winners, Matt could well select Jordan Tillson in midfield, who impressed hugely after coming on as a substitute for Nicky Law who limped off with a groin problem and is expected to be left out as a precautionary measure.
The match could well see new signings Lee Martin and Tristan Abrahams earn their first starts for club.
Ahead of the match, defender Pierce Sweeney said: “They are a Championship side so it’s going to be tough. They’ve signed a few players that have been in League One and Two before. They’ve got a new manager, they haven’t had the best of starts in the league but that doesn’t matter because they are a decent side.
“As a young lad you want to play and impress against the higher league clubs whenever you get a chance so it’s always good to play against Championship sides. I’m really looking forward to it.”
WHEN WE LAST MET
Ipswich last visited St James Park on August 10, 2010 when they needed an extra-time goal from David Norris to give them a 3-2 victory over the Grecians.
The defeat was overshadowed by the news that Adam Stansfield had lost his battle with cancer that day. Adam, who netted 37 goals in 142 league appearances for the Grecians between 2006 and 2010, was last year inducted to the Exeter City hall of fame and his No. 9 shirt is currently retired in his honour. Gone but never forgotten.
TICKET NEWS
The capacity for the Big Bank will again be restricted to 2660, due to the current reduced numbers of turnstiles, toilet facilities and exits which all contribute to how many people can safely be in that area. Tickets are expected to be available on the gate as normal.
Tickets are on sale for the match and can be purchased in one of three ways.
You can purchase tickets easily and quickly online either on a computer or a mobile device. You can also call the club during the normal office hours on 01392 411 243 (option 3) or visit the club shop and reception in person between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Thatchers' Big Bank:
Adults: £15
Seniors/Students/Wheelchair Area: £12
Under-18s: £3
IP Office Main Stand:
Adults: £20
Seniors/Students/Wheelchair Area: £18
Under-18s: £5
MATCHDAY SPONSORS
We would like to welcome our matchday sponsors Haines-Watts, and our ball sponsors Toucan Design and RGB Building Supplies
For more information about any of our sponsorship opportunities please contact Matt Kimberley at matt.kimberley@ecfc.co.uk
GROUND INFORMATION
Redevelopment work: Due to the ongoing work around St James Park, all entry for home fans will be via the Stadium Way turnstiles into the IP Office Main Stand or the Thatchers’ Big Bank.
MATCH DAY PROGRAMME
In the latest edition of The Grecian we have an in-depth interview with City’s new strength and conditioning coach Andrew Wiseman. Andrew details how he arrived at St James Park, what sort of work he will be doing with the players and how he is enjoying his time in Devon so far. Also inside, our regular quiz features return, and this week you can test your knowledge on Pierce Sweeney, so be sure to let us know how you got on via social media.
City Community Trust also have an update on the work they have been doing over the summer holidays, and you can also read our regular features with local journalist Matt Bamsey, and lifelong City fan, Tony Morris.
JUNIOR GRECIANS FAMILY ZONE
The Junior Grecians family zone will be open to its members from 5.45pm and then to the general public, including away fans, from 6.45pm. The zone has video consoles, large TV screens, a refreshments stall and table football.
MASCOTS
James Marlow is a 13-year-old City fan whose favourite player is Jayden Stockley, and the Town mascot will be George Borham whose favourite player is Freddie Sears.
You can read their profiles in the match day programme. If you would like to be a match day mascot this season, then make sure to be in contact with our operations manager Andy Gillard via email at andy.gillard@ecfc.co.uk
CLUB SHOP
The club shop will be open from 8:30am on the day of the game and does not close until around 10:30pm once the match has finished and supporters have dispersed. Please note that the ticket booth will open from 5:30pm for collections.