Exeter City keep fighting to finish as high as Grecians can and keep unbeaten run

Exeter City will keep fighting to finish as high up the League One table as they can and definitely won’t be ‘on the beach’ as the season draws to a close. For the second time in a week, they were 2-0 down away from home, but fought back to claim a point at Leyton Orient on Tuesday night, and then went even better on Saturday at Port Vale with a 4-2 win.

The stirring comeback means that the Grecians are now unbeaten in eight games. Over the last six games, no side in the division has taken more points from Exeter, while it is 19 points from the last ten games as well, with City showing play-off and promotion form as the season draws to a close.

Ethan Chislett’s deflected strike after a corner had put Vale ahead on the half hour. Baylee Dipepa doubled the lead just before half-time after a fantastic solo effort. But Millenic Alli’s deflected strike halved the deficit early in the second half, before in the 67 ^th minute, City drew level when a corner swung into the box was met by Zak Jules who rifled home.

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Luke Harris then smashed home a volley late on to put Exeter ahead in stunning style, before Alli then grabbed his second of the afternoon late on to seal the victory and all three points. Having already beat last season’s points tally with two games to spare, City are likely to almost beat last season’s 14 ^th placed finish. A top half finish is in their own hands, with a top 10 finish still possible.

“We are all happy with the three points,” wing-back Ilmari Niskanen said. “First half we were really poor, didn’t do the things we were talking about before the game. We knew they would be motivated but for some reason we didn’t produce.

“But second half we played really well, scored some brilliant goals, and the overall way we played was exactly what we wanted to do. We moved the ball so well when we had the ball, and while it is never easy to be 2-0 down half-time and turnaround to win 4-2, but the whole squad was fantastic.

“We want to finish as strong as possible and now eight games unbeaten and want 10 for the end of the season. We are safe but want to finish as high as possible and have the huge will to win.”

Niskanen was involved in the third goal, and then assisted the fourth goal late on as he won the ball high up the pitch. Clean through on goal, he could have shot, but instead squared it for Alli to tap home.

“It was a simple decision for the fourth goal,” the Finn said. “Milli was in a great position, so it was simple to see him through on goal and pass it to him to make it 4-2 and secure the win for us. I hope I get my goal as it has been way too long and I haven't scored for the club yet and I want to celebrate in front of the brilliant supporters who gave us a huge lift when we needed it.”

Having not scored since his January move from Halifax Town before this week, Alli now has three goals in the red and white shirt. Manager Gary Caldwell praised the Irishman not just for getting on the scoresheet, but also his overall play, in what was his first start for City.

“We are excited about him,” he said. “We kept him back as it is a big jump from where he has come from, but we are starting to unleash him now. The goal gave him confidence, but today, it was not just the goals, the physicality, holding the ball up, the speed was incredible. It is only the start as he has grown so much and can develop as a player.”

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