Grecians defender Tom Parkes has praised his team mates for putting in a great shift, after City beat Cambridge 2-0 to pick up first home league win of the season.
“A great performance from the boys, a great shift as well. We knew that Cambridge have had a good start to the season, and I think that’s the first game they’ve conceded. So, it is a good positive for us, but the main thing its three points and a clean sheet.”
Tom Parkes played alongside new City signing Rory McArdle, as the pair helped City pick up their first clean sheet of the season in difficult conditions at St James Park.
“Rory is a top player, he has been in the game for a long while. Great experience for me to play alongside him, helps me massively. And hopefully at times I can help him. I am enjoying playing with him, and hopefully we can keep it going and see how the season goes with it.”
Parkes, who was part of the team who lost in the play-off final earlier in year, has worked his way back into the side, and is keen to keep up the momentum.
“It was tough, I came back in pre-season and got a little niggle on my knee which meant I missed a few games. So, I had to catch up on my fitness, but the lads done well first few games and I have had to work hard to get back into the team.
“It was a great result at Mansfield last week, and then to top it off today with another three points and clean sheet, it gives me the momentum to push onto the next game.”
Josh Key has been a key part of the defence at the start of this season, putting in some fantastic performances. Parkes explains how it has been helping the youngster.
“Josh has been fantastic, he’s came in this season and shown what he is capable of. At times when Rory and I need to have a word with him, like we can give him the right information at times and get him in the right positions. But fair play to Josh, he has been fantastic.”
Cambridge came into this fixture unbeaten and at the top of the Sky Bet League Two table, but the Grecians put an end to that run today.
“They had two opportunities early on but Lewis pulled off two great saves. After that we settled down, and like you say we didn’t have much to do. Fair play to the lads for digging in deep, putting in a shift, and putting bodies on the line when they had to.”