Next Up: Accrington Stanley v Exeter City

Anyone who has questioned City’s gumption in recent times will have been heartened by yet another come from behind victory, this time from a seemingly impossible position of 2-0 down at half time against a Shrewsbury side that had won its last six. City’s amazing win ensures they make yet another Friday night trip (will we EVER play an away match on a Saturday at 3pm again?) continuing their great league form that has seen just one defeat in twelve games. City now have a brace of new signings to throw into the mix, with the somewhat surprising news that veteran striker Clinton Morrison has joined on non-contract terms, joining returning midfield dynamo Ryan Harley. Harley will hope, having missed out on the matchday squad last week, to be included at least from the bench this time, while it is likely to be too soon for Morrison to make his debut as he seeks to regain match sharpness. Paul Tisdale sprung a surprise last week by taking Christy Pym out of the firing line after a couple of edgy performances, and it remains to be seen if that was just a one-off or whether James Hamon will retain his place.

It was a case of going back to what you know for Accrington this season. Having accumulated just seven points from their first eight matches, as well as two cup defeats, Stanley manager James Beattie fell on his sword, opening the door for a return to the club for John Coleman who, in his previous spell, was responsible for leading the East Lancashire club from the Northern League to the Football League. The impact was instant with three successive victories, and the perennial bookies’ relegation favourites are currently sitting pretty in 12th after a 2-1 win over Cambridge last Saturday. With resources tight as always (including a sub-1000 attendance), the loan market has once again been utilised with the likes of John O’Sullivan and Lee Molyneux assisting a club that has used 30 players already. James Gray heads the scoring charts with five goals, ahead of Kai Naismith with four.

Last season was the same old same old for City in a season of homesickness coupled with fine away form, as on both occasions it was the visitors claiming the spoils. In December City raced into a 3-0 lead through a brace from Tom Nichols and Alan Gow before Stanley rallied through Peter Murphy and Naismith. In the return in March lanky striker Kayode Odejayi scored the only goal on the stroke of half time. City hold the overall head-to-head lead with seven wins to Accrington’s four (one draw).

Match Officials: http://www.exeweb.com/2014/11/25/match-officials-accrington-stanley-v-exeter-city/

Ground Guide: http://www.exeweb.com/2012/06/13/the-things-you-need-to-know-the-the-crown-ground/

Last season’s highlights