Exeter City FC

Exeter City manager Matt Taylor has been awarded the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month award for August.

Following an impressive first month of the season, the Grecians picked up four wins from their first six matches of the season, drawing on two occasions.

In a month that saw City collect 14 points from their August encounters, the award represents a positive start to the 2019/20 campaign.

On the award, Matt was quick to credit his players and staff for their efforts, he explained: “It’s been a good month, but that’s all down to the players. I’ve got a great support staff which I’m grateful for, and if a manager is awarded the manager of the month then it’s because the results are there- and that’s simply down to the players.”

Matt’s side have already begun September well following their 3-1 win at Carlisle United last weekend, and the City manager is looking for the Grecians to continue their good work.

“You want to keep on playing well, you want to keep on picking up points,” said Matt. “We had a private meeting this morning where the emphasis was on the opportunities to come in the next few weeks, and we’ve got to make the most of them.

“The lads seem to be enjoying their football and their training. They’re working hard, but sport is strange, and it changes so quickly. A bit of luck here and there, which we’ve had so far this season, but the performances need to keep on building and I’m going to keep asking for more from this group.”

City started the month at home to Macclesfield Town where Ryan Bowman’s goal won the narrow encounter before the Grecians made the long trip to Stevenage to take all three points, thanks to Nicky Law’s late winner.

Their third league match saw them welcome a Swindon Town side, who had also started the season well, and the match ended 1-1 after Matt Jay’s goals was cancelled out by Eoin Doyle.

Another draw would follow, but also another clean sheet, as the Grecians arguably dominated much of the match against Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park but were ultimately held to a goalless draw.

The wins returned as City made the long journey to Morecambe and took a two-goal lead through Jake Taylor and Lee Martin before Jim Bentley’s side rallied and fought back to make it 2-2. Another late goal would follow, though, as Law once again found the net to give City all three points.

A tough match with Mansfield Town back in Devon rounded off the month, and City performed well to earn all three points through Ryan Bowman’s early goal. The home side hit the woodwork twice and limited the Stags to very little in terms of chances.