PAUL DEMANDS THE X-FACTOR
EXETER manager Paul Tisdale has challenged his table-topping side to keep their foot on the gas as they continue their storming start to the season.
Jordan Tillson ended a 19-month goal drought to put the Grecians in front against Crewe before strikes from Jake Taylor and Jayden Stockley made it four straight home wins for Tisdale’s troops.
Exeter have won seven of their opening eight games and are already eight points clear of fourth-placed Luton.
But Tisdale insists his side must build on their impressive run and rack up as many points as possible.
The City chief said: “It was a strong performance and a fabulous result, so I am very happy.
“They are all playing well individually and as a team.
“When you play well as a team, you find you can add that bit of sharpness and quickness to the ball.
“We were focussed and forward thinking.
“It’s nice to have that cushion in the table and make hay while the sun shines.
“We have a long season ahead of us. We probably won’t get it all our way all of the time, and we want to make the points while we have the chance.”
Crewe squandered a glorious chance to take the lead on two minutes when George Cooper blazed an effort over the crossbar.
But the high-flying Grecians struck the opener on seven minutes after Troy Brown was denied by Ben Garratt, Tillson tucking home the rebound.
It was the midfielder’s first goal since February 2016 and only his second goal in 52 appearances for the Grecians.
The hosts doubled their lead on 38 minutes as Liam McAlinden’s scuffed shot flashed across the face of the six-yard box for Taylor to ram home at the back post.
Moments later, the Grecians almost added a third after Pierce Sweeney picked out Taylor at the back post and his header was destined for the back of the net until Eddie Nolan cleared off the goalline.
Exeter wrapped up the win on 76 minutes when substitute Stockley rose to meet Taylor’s cross with a glancing header over Garratt.
Crewe boss David Artell admitted his side got what they deserved, saying: “Too many players didn’t play well – it’s as simple as that.
“If you have six or seven players off their game, you are not going to win any games of football, never mind at the league leaders, who are flying at the moment.
“We can’t just sit on the edge of our own box and expect that to be fine.
“If you are in the comfort zone, expect to get your arses kicked – pardon my French – especially against a good team. “We should have been 1-0 up, but the next thing, it’s three bounces, three contacts, and three goals.”