Exeter City FC

Exeter City defender Troy Brown says he is enjoying being back available for selection after facing six months out injured.

The City number 39 played just five times this season before having to undergo knee surgery following a long-term problem. But having recovered the centre back is now fit and available and has tasted first team action in the last two games, the second of which saw him complete the full 90 minutes in the win over Notts County last weekend.

On his return, Troy explained: “It was brilliant to be back playing after what has been a long and tormenting six months. It was fantastic (to return) and to pick up the points in that fashion was brilliant.

“I went into the game thinking about 90 minutes, try and get through it, and get the points but it was brilliant. I’ve had three weeks training with the team which I’ve tried to push myself through and I played 65 minutes against Luton Town reserves last Tuesday. I’m building and building and hopefully I can contribute to the fantastic work that the team has done whilst I’ve been out.”

The Grecians have their sights on the visit of Mansfield Town to St James Park this Saturday. The Stags occupy fourth place and have their eyes focused on promotion, as do the Grecians.

On the test that David Flitcroft’s side will pose, Troy said: “It’s going to be a tough game, and they’re all tough games at this stage of the season, even if teams aren’t playing for a certain position like play-offs or safety. Some players are playing for contracts and their careers so it’s going to be tough. We had the privilege of being able to watch them (Mansfield) on Sky the other day, a lot of people would’ve seen that, and we know what we’re going to get and that’s a tough team.

“You take each game as it comes, it’s an old cliché but every game is like a cup final now. Each team has to pick up as many points as they can. Teams up there are playing each other but it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t handle our business and, hopefully, we can do that.”

The match is also Exeter City’s designated One Game One Community match day with lots going on in and around the ground as the club celebrates the positive impact women and girls have on football at our club.

Exeter City Ladies team and members of our girls’ development centres have been invited to the match and will be taking part in a half-time parade.

Added to that there will be a number of articles in the matchday programme and on the club website leading up to the game.

On the importance of events like this at Exeter City, Troy applauded the work done by the club and partner charity CITY Community Trust for the work they do with ladies’ football, and hopes to see as many at women and girls at Saturday’s match as possible to help the atmosphere in what is a big match.

Troy explained: “The club have made a good contribution; the ladies team had a game at the ground. The club does all it can in the community and the local area. I was on an appearance a couple of weeks ago in a prison, and they all vary, but the club does its utmost with things like this and long may that continue.

“The more the merrier and we need a good atmosphere similar to what we came up against on Saturday (v Notts County) in the first 10 or 15 minutes. There was 9,000 there, our attendance might not be as high, but if we can have a lot of noise made then it will stand us in good stead.”