York show their grit to thwart Grecians
YORK City boss Russ Wilcox admitted his side had to dig deep to post their second clean sheet in four days.
The Minstermen withstood a second-half bombardment to deny Paul Tisdale’s Exeter their fourth win of the season.
And Wilcox heaped praise on his players ahead of Tuesday’s Capital One Cup trip to Swansea City.
“It is a fantastic point because Exeter were better than us on the day,” he said.
“We had eight hours on the road the day before, played five games in 22 days and we were dead on our feet.
“But we showed great character and we were resolute to the end.We would have probably have lost that game last season.
“This is a positive point because we have had two clean sheets in a week and four points on the board.
“Yes, we can do better but to come away and get a clean sheet at Exeter is fantastic.
“Tuesday’s game is going to be difficult and I might have to freshen things up because the bigger picture for us is the league.”
Both sides showed industry but gave the ball away cheaply and lacked an attacking spark in the first half.
York wasted the best chance early on after Marvin McCoy crossed for Jake Hyde and his header brought a good save out of Bobby Olejnik.
Scott Flinders, in the other goal, was a virtual by-stander and his only involvement saw him collect Ryan Harley’s long-range free-kick.
Exeter piled on the pressure after the break and Manny Okeleke, their driving force in midfield, hit a screamer a fraction over the crossbar.
Tom Nichols teed up Harley but he fluffed his lines by rifling a shot past the post.
Harley’s 20-yard freekick also whistled inches past the post and Lee Holmes blasted wide as Exeter were thwarted.
Hopes of a late Grecians winner were dashed after Jordan Tillson headed Harley’s corner wide.
But Exeter boss Paul Tisdale was pleased with the performance after a first clean sheet since the start of April.
He said: “It was as good a performance as we have put in at home for a long time.
“I couldn’t be more happy with the way we played. At the same time I am frustrated that we didn’t get the goal that I thought we deserved.
“In terms of us playing our game and playing our way, we weren’t quite polished, we got into the right areas, but we didn’t make it pay.
“It could have gone our way but it’s a point gained. I am not saying we are perfect yet but we are on the right track.”