For the fourth successive match City left the field having drawn 2-2 meaning it’s now eight draws in twelve (11 in 15 in all competitions) and yet more frustration for Matt Taylor and his side. As expected Taylor switched to a back four for the Newport match with Colin Daniel and Owura Edwards making their first starts, although one surprise was sprung with George Ray, considered by many fans to have been the best defender so far this season, making way where perhaps Pierce Sweeney was the expected choice. With games now coming thick and fast Taylor may make some changes, although Sam Nombe has now scored in five successive matches and will expect to keep his place.

In contrast to City’s seeming inability to either win or lose games, Crawley have tended to win or lose, drawing just twice so far as they sit in the middle of the table. Saturday saw John Yems’ side lose 1-0 at home to resurgent Sutton. Goals have been shared around so far with Kwesi Appiah leading the way with four in all competitions despite only having started the last two matches. Former City youth product Tom Nichols has made a slow start, scoring once in eight appearances.

Last season the spoils were shared – City recorded a fortuitous come from behind win at the Park in October – trailing at half time to a strike from Max Watters, City equalised through Jake Taylor before a freak winner from Ryan Bowman. Revenge was taken at Broadfield, a controversial red card for Tom Parkes opened the door for Crawley to win 2-0 through a penalty from Nichols and a goal from Ashley Nadesan. That win was just Crawley’s fourth in league matches between the sides, City winning 10 and six matches finishing level. All the encounters between Exeter and Crawley can be found at https://www.grecians.co.uk/wordpress/?p=9487

The match officials for the game are:-

Referee: James Oldham
Assistant Referees: Nicholas Cooper and Paul Yates
Fourth Official : Christopher Kidd

Just the one game in charge of Exeter for James Oldham, the Cambridge game last January https://www.grecians.co.uk/wordpress/?sp_event=exeter-city-vs-cheltenham-town-3-3-2-2-2-2



By Jason H

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