Taylor fits the bill on Paul’s big day

JAKE Taylor hit a late winner to give Paul Tisdale the perfect New Year’s gift on his 600th appearance as Exeter manager.

Ryan Watson looked to have spoiled the party when he cancelled out Kane Wilson’s opener with a stunning free-kick.

But Taylor produced late drama as his fierce volley gave Exeter a ninth success from 12 home games this season.

On a day of milestones, it was Exeter’s 100th goal in 2017 and moved them up to fourth in the table.

Tisdale beamed: “I am delighted.

“That was as close to winter football as you can get and the pitch made it very difficult.

“It was our 100th goal of 2017, so that was a nice little round figure to finish the year off.

“We have been very, very productive at home and I think we’ve been one of the most effective home teams in the Football League.

“I believe this was my 600th game today, so that was another nice round figure.”

Both keepers excelled in the first half as chances flowed.

Bees stopper Craig Ross made smart saves to deny Matt Jay and Taylor while Christy Pym was quick off his line to foil John Akinde.

But the opener arrived on the half-hour mark when Hiram Boateng’s deflected cross landed at the feet of Wilson.

The defender, on loan from West Brom, coolly curled the ball into the bottom corner for his first goal since arriving at St James Park in August.

After the break, Ross produced a stunning save to thwart Jay before Barnet drew level after Watson planted a 25-yard free-kick right into the top corner.

Pym made a stunning one-handed save to push away Jack Taylor’s effort and Jamal Campbell-Ryce’s cross came back off the crossbar.

But Taylor spared Liam McAlinden’s blushes – the striker missed a gilt-edged chance in the 85th minute – by smashing home the winner. Having won only two of their last 19 league games, Barnet are back in the drop zone.

Bees manager Mark McGhee said: “We edged the first half, so it was disappointing to go in 1-0 down at half-time.

“It really asked a question about their spirit and determination, and they answered it terrifically well.

“We got the equaliser but we were then undone by a long ball up to the edge of our box, which we don’t deal with well enough.

“We end up losing a game which we didn’t feel we deserved to.”