Grecians closing on play-off positions

PAUL Tisdale has challenged his play-off searching charges to maintain their focus, after an impressive Exeter made it eight games unbeaten with a thumping victory at Grimsby.

A top-seven finish is proving an increasing possibility for the in-form Grecians, who convincingly sealed another three points thanks to goals from Reuben Reid, David Wheeler and top goalscorer Ollie Watkins.

“The most pleasing thing for me is we came away from home, to a difficult ground, played a good team in good form and controlled the game from start to finish,” said Tisdale.

“We’re in the middle of winter now and so a different kind of football is required to win matches and, at the moment, we are doing this really well.

“Overall, it was a comprehensive and complete away performance and I am delighted.

“Our team aspect has really developed in the last few weeks and now it is about keeping a continued focus until the end of the season. We have to maintain the focus.

“I don’t know just how far this team can go but if we can remain disciplined then we will keep passing the weekly challenges.”

The Mariners were playing with fluidity in attack early on, and in-demand striker Omar Bogle came within inches of giving the hosts the lead on 25 minutes, curling agonisingly wide.

But thereafter it was all Exeter and the hardy away following burst into a frenzy when Reid bundled home from close range in the 42nd minute.

The Grecians doubled their advantage on 59 minutes. A horrible mix-up at the back allowed Wheeler to steal possession, progress into the box and fire in off the post.

And the points were secured in the 80th minute when Watkins evaded two challenges before converting from ten yards.

Mariners manager Marcus Bignot said: “We were disappointed to concede just before halftime and our defending for two of their goals was inexcusable.

“But on the plus side a lot of lessons have been learned and I won't be too hard on the players.

“There is a huge gap in quality between the level we are at and the level this club has just come from.

“If we want to stay at this level and indeed move to the next stage, we have to bring new players in to help us.

“And that is why we are working tirelessly this month to see what we can do.”