Get off Tis’s back Hurst tells Grecians

GRIMSBY TOWN manager Paul Hurst leapt to the defence of under-fire Exeter boss Paul Tisdale after the Grecians winless home run stretched to six games.

A section of Exeter fans called for Tisdale to be sacked after the Devon club suffered their poorest home start to a season in their history.

But the Grecians dominated the match and carved out enough chances to have recorded their first home win since April.

However the stalemate means Exeter remain in the relegation zone having scored just once in six home matches this season.

And while Hurst was disappointed with his side’s performance, he backed Tisdale – the Football League’s longestserving manager having been at St James’ Park for ten years.

Hurst said: “I would be amazed if Exeter finish in the bottom two if they play like that.

“Fans get frustrated but to say that the manager doesn’t know what he is doing is a little bit disrespectful. He has been here a long time and he clearly knows what he is doing.

“It was a long journey down and it is a valuable point for us. There were a few positives but we know we have to play better than that.

“We didn’t pass the ball well enough and we certainly didn’t create enough chances. But I am sure the goals will come.”

Exeter belied their lowly league position by racing out of the traps and Grimsby keeper James McKeown sprang to his right to deny Lee Holmes.

Shaun Tuton wasted Grimsby’s only chance in the first half, and Reuben Reid watched in frustration as his header was tipped over before Ben Davies foiled Luke Croll with a goalline clearance. Reid came close after the break after robbing Danny Andrew before clipping the crossbar.

And Exeter striker Robbie Simpson looked certain to score the winner in the 80th minute but Andrew came to the rescue with a block.

Tisdale admitted he shares the frustrations of the supporters, but is adamant his side will soon climb the table.

He said: “There were a few noises at the end which has been a trend recently.

“But I would like to talk about those fans who have supported us. It is a small ground and you hear every word.

“The players would love to say thank you to the fans who are supporting us and sticking with us.

“We did everything but score and we move on to the next one.”