Exeter know they really are in the last chance saloon Only a victory will do as City chase a place in the play-offs
IF Saturday’s match against Newport County was a ‘must-win’ match for Exeter City, then tonight’s home clash with Grimsby Town is a ‘definitely must-win’ clash as the Grecians’ play-off hopes enter the last chance saloon.
City could only draw that clash against play-off rivals Newport 0-0 – their third goalless draw in succession – with the dropped points seeing them slip down to ninth place in the League Two table.
Newport remain seventh, three points ahead of City, while Salford leapfrogged them into eighth by beating Mansfield Town. With three games to go, it is looking increasingly unlikely for Exeter, who can at least give themselves a fighting chance by beating Grimsby Town at St James Park tonight.
“There will be twists and turns and it can change in an instant,” manager Matt Taylor said. “The lads had their shoulders down, they were drooped because it was such hard work for them on Saturday.
“It was all about the expectation, but they have to believe that it can change on Tuesday. We need a lucky goal, a set piece, a bit of quality – just something to get us ahead on Tuesday and then the feeling amongst them will change and they will find a little bit extra in terms of legs because they will have something to believe in.
“At the moment, we are chasing and we believe we are going to have to force it home as opposed to it happening for us.
“There are nine points to play for, three more games, and it is another must-win game. Saturday was a must-win game, but this really is, so we will keep going until we are mathematically out of it.
“The lads are giving so much and I can’t emphasise how proud I am of what they are giving to the club. But ultimately, we are a bit short.”
Grimsby know this is a must-win game for them as well as they sit six points adrift a position of safety with three games remaining. Their considerably inferior goal difference – 22 worse off than Barrow – means it would be goodbye to the Football league if they are beaten tonight.
“They will be fighting and they need to win the game, so that may suit us as the game may open up a bit earlier,” Taylor added.
“I was frustrated with the referee at the end because that second half dragged on with the stoppages and substitutions, so to put four minutes up is incredible – and he was laughing at me when he came off the pitch.
“Maybe a minute doesn’t make much of a difference but I can guarantee you that two or three minutes does. Newport knew what they needed to do and they created better chances than us, but they did it on the counter-attack because we were having to force the play.
“Grimsby will come on Tuesday having to win the game if they want to stay in the league.”
Elsewhere in League Two this evening, sixth-placed Forest Green Rovers (67 points) are at home to Barrow, while Newport (66 points) play host to Scunthorpe United. Salford City (65 points) travel to Bradford. Exeter are on 63 points.