Wilcox is looking for more up front
YORK City manager Russ Wilcox bemoaned his side’s lack of a killer touch after a stalemate with Exeter City at Bootham Crescent.
Stephane Zubar’s lastditch block on the line proved crucial to the hosts, who had most of the possession but failed to convert any chances.
But while York had the chances, Exeter’s hardworking defence did enough to keep the home side at bay.
Wilcox said:“We should have won because it was one-way traffic in the second half.
“I can’t fault the lads for their attitude, application, work ethic and desire, but we just needed a bit more quality, which can be difficult on our pitch.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t win because even though we didn’t create enough golden opportunities, we had a lot of possession and put plenty of balls into their box.”
After a subdued start to the game, Exeter came closest to opening the scoring.York goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik denied Liam Sercombe’s stinging shot, before producing another excellent save to keep out the rebound from Clinton Morrison.
Alex Nicholls drilled another rebound shot at goal, only to be stopped by Zubar on the line.
York’s Josh Carson teed up Sheffield United loanee Diego De Girolamo on the edge of the box, but his shot flashed past the post on the 20 minute mark. The Italian also threaded Wes Fletcher through on goal for the Minstermen but to no avail.
As the half drew to a close, Exeter midfielder Sercombe pounced on a poor goal kick from Olejnik, but his optimistic drive sailed high.
York captain Russell Penn flashed a shot wide after the restart, before Bradley Halliday tested James Hamon.
But Exeter stood firm, with another close effort from Sercombe proving they were still in it.
Paul Tisdale praised his side’s discipline after claiming another point which sees the Grecians remain comfortable in mid-table.
He said:“We had to be steely and tight with our performance and I think we were. I’m very pleased we had a good performance. We kept a clean sheet, got a point and pleased that we put in a competent performance.
“It was a very difficult pitch. It was dry and energy-sapping and a difficult game to play.
“The players did well. Nothing sparkling, but they’ve came out with real credit. One of those chances might’ve gone in and I wish we’d won, but I’m pretty happy with how we’ve played.”
The hosts piled the pressure on in the final few minutes but despite a frantic finale couldn’t get the ball over the line.