Ahead of this weekend's trip to Lincoln City, Grecians manager Gary Caldwell previewed the match.
City and the Imps have faced each other on several occasions over recent seasons with most matches being split by the narrowest of margins, however Gary is wary of the threat this season's Lincoln squad poses.
"I think they've built on what they've done for a number of years now, they're a very strong League One team. A fantastic manager, clear identity, they've invested over the years to improve the squad and the competition. They look a really strong team this year.
"We know whenever we go there it's a really difficult game but, at this moment in time they're playing well, up the top of the league, it's going to be tough. We have to be prepared for that, but as I always say, we have to be prepared to be ourselves."
This week also saw an opportunity for younger players and those on the fringes of the first team squad to play at SJP in the Premier League Cup, where the team recorded a 1-0 win against Brentford B, a result Gary was pleased with.
"I was delighted, a lot of first team players were there which I thought was brilliant, how they come and support young players and the first team players who were playing. They came in the changing room at the end of the game to show what winning means, how important it is to win football matches.
"There were moments in the second half where Brentford dominated but we stood up to that, we made sure we got a clean sheet. We hung in the game when we needed to."
Hear more from Gary below on Grecian+: