Next Up: Exeter City vs Bury

A draw at in-form Carlisle extended City’s unbeaten run to three matches ahead of yet another fixture against a fellow promotion chasing side. Dean Moxey missed the match as Matt Taylor described a severe bout of “Manflu” that ravaged the squad, although Aaron Martin, one of the standout players in the first half of the season, was again left on the bench as Taylor instead moved Pierce Sweeney across to centre back. Taylor will hope to have his squad fit and firing again for what will no doubt be a tough encounter.

Given off-field problems it was thought that Bury could “do a Chesterfield” and drop straight down through League Two into non-league. However, this season has proved that to be rather fanciful as instead the Shakers have emerged as strong promotion contenders and go into Saturday’s match still unbeaten in 2019. Manager Ryan Lowe has a number of experienced and exciting talents at his disposal, such as Jay O’Shea, Nicky Adams, Nicky Maynard and Neil Danns, which perhaps explains why thoughts of a season of struggle were wide of the mark. That said, Bury aren’t clear of off-field issues, having successfully seen off a winding up order having seen a new owner take over in December.

Bury eventually emerged comfortable 2-0 winners in the return fixture at Gigg Lane in December, goals from O’Shea and Moore after City missed a penalty at 0-1. The last time Bury visited the Park was during their successful 14/15 campaign, but City were victorious thanks to goals from Grimes and Keohane sandwiching an effort from Soares. Bury do, however, have a healthy league head to head lead with 16 wins to City’s eight (nine draws). Details of the last 18 encounters between the two clubs can be found at http://www.grecians.co.uk/wordpress/?p=9905

The match officials or this game are:

Referee: Ollie Yates
Assistant Referees: Michael Webb and Samuel Ogles
Fourth Official: Simon Shaw

Just the two games refereed by Ollie, the most recent being the 2-2 draw with Yeovil http://www.grecians.co.uk/wordpress/?s=ollie+yates