Paul applauds sensible decision-making from his players
Following Exeter’s 2-0 win at home against Accrington Stanley, Grecians boss Paul Tisdale was pleased with a patient and composed display which earned his side the three points.
Substitute Jimmy Keohane was introduced midway through the second period, and netted a quick-fire brace with the clock ticking down to confirm City’s ascendency. And Tis felt it was that sense of serenity in the final third that helped the team make the vital breakthrough with a little over ten minutes remaining.
“I asked them to relax,” he explained. “It’s easier said than done, of course – but I said ‘don’t worry, take your time and don’t rush things’.
“We looked too eager to get up the field, and then too eager to run back and defend as well. But who can blame the chaps – they’re desperate to win.
“Both the goals were creative. They were assists firstly for Tommy Doherty, and then Jamie Cureton with the second.
“It was a performance that wasn’t perfect, but was solid enough and it had enough quality in it to make the difference.”
Another second-half substitute – Arron Davies – was also instrumental in the first goal. After receiving the ball on the right flank, he bided his time until Tommy Doherty appeared in space.
Davies picked the perfect pass for his midfield teammate – who then laid into Keohane’s path – and Tis felt that it was indicative of the kind of difference-making quality that Davies adds to the side.
“That’s his strength – he can delay the pass,” continued Paul. “It’s exactly what he did then, and Tommy Doherty and Kevin Amankwaah didn’t rush things as well. They allowed Arron to then get the ball, Tommy came and supported late, and that’s exactly what Arron Davies does – he can delay his pass.
“He’s composed on the ball, and that’s his major strength in attacking strength. That was a vital bit of composure that he showed.”
Paul was also full of praise for his younger players, and the way they have made a mark in the team. Jake Gosling looked more than comfortable in his environment on his first Football League start, and Jimmy Keohane – who has become a fully-fledged member of the first-team set-up – was praised for the spark he introduced from the bench.
“It’s always very important that we give [young players] a chance, and Jake had a chance tonight and did extremely well for his first start with us.
“It was nice to have Jimmy come on with 25 minutes to go with that energy – he’s improving all the time, and he’s getting better with the tough parts of the game as well.”
The victory pushes Exeter into third place in the npower League 2 table, before the bulk of the weekend’s matches get underway. However Paul was keen to ensure that his side concentrate simply on holding their side of the bargain and making influences in their own fixtures.
“It’s a futile exercise really looking at our position in the league when there’s whole host of games tomorrow. We dropped from third to sixth without playing on Tuesday, so you just march on a game at a time.
“We got our three points in the bag, and we have to look at the next 14 games as a lump and try to win more than we lose.
“Sometimes you just need to get into a bit of a roll, and hopefully we can start off today.”