Western Morning News

Maturing Sweeney playing his best football yet for Exeter City

- DANIEL CLARK Daniel.Clark@reachplc.com

TWICE it may have appeared that Pierce Sweeney’s Exeter City career was coming to an end. Firstly when he seemed to be on the fringes of the squad at the start of last season, and then when he did briefly leave in the summer.

But the Irishman’s time at Swindon Town lasted only days before he rejoined the Grecians, and since then, has come back ‘like a new signing’ and the vice-captain has made himself undroppabl­e in the Grecians’ backline.

Sweeney has been a virtual everpresen­t in the heart of the defence on the right side of the back three this season, starting 32 of the 35 League Two games, and it would now be a shock to see a side without his name in it.

Recent post-match interviews from manager Matt Taylor have regularly seen the 27-year-old namechecke­d, and Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Crawley Town was no different after yet another sterling performanc­e in which he provided some spark and personalit­y that was perhaps lacking in a slightly flat performanc­e.

“Pierce again was outstandin­g,” Taylor said. “I always want more and it has taken a few seasons of battling to get him there but he is leading the back line and has been consistent.

“I mention the personalit­y of Pierce and he can wind you up on the training pitch at times but in terms of the personalit­y, he has it.

“There was a moment in the second half where he went and pressed the right-back and he tried to force the issue for the team.

“We need leaders and we constantly need that and I am delighted that people are mentioning Pierce and it shows where he is.”

“I spoke to the manager yesterday and he just asked me what has been different and I can’t put the finger on it,” Sweeney added.

“But as I am getting older, I am realising I am a defender first and not going too far forward and being a bit loose. I have grown up and taken responsibi­lity as a defender first and that is the most important thing.”

City’s performanc­e in the victory over John Yems’ Red Devils was far from their best, but they dug deep and ground out the win to take the three points, with Frenchman Tim Dieng scoring twice in the first half, although the second has tinged with controvers­y as it appeared goalkeeper Glenn Morris was fouled in his attempt to keep it out.

Kwesi Appiah pulled one back in first half stoppage from a corner, and Ashley Nadesan twice missed oneon-ones to equalise, but City did enough to claim the win and make it just one defeat in 13 now for the Grecians.

Now, they will look to continue their fine form at Oldham Athletic tomorrow where another three points will give further claim that Exeter are now ready to get out of the Football League’s basement.

“I think all that matters are the three points,” Sweeney added. “We weren’t happy in the first half, and was a bit luck to go in ahead, and listen we came out and attacked the game in the right way in the second half and should have finished it off. It was not a great performanc­e and it is three points and a vital three points.

“We were disappoint­ed to concede as we expect and want to win these games and the goal is to get promoted at the end of the season and have to keep the ball out of the net and have to keep on pushing and get to the top three.

“The lads stood up to games like that. They came to run about and get in our faces, and we have a squad that is growing up and need to show them how it is done and give them advice and show how good a player they are.”

With other teams in the promotion race all winning, City stayed fifth in the table, just two points off second place Northampto­n Town and just one off Newport County in third and the final automatic promotion spot.

The Grecians, though, have two games in hand on the pair, and with Sutton United beaten, the gap back to eighth place now is four points, meaning if they were to lose at Oldham Athletic, who are in the relegation zone, they would remain in the play-off places.

However, City are focusing on those above them - leaders Forest Green Rovers are now only eight points clear and Exeter have a game in hand on them as well - and keeping the pressure up with what hopefully would be another three points.

“It is very tight and can throw a blanket over the top teams,” Sweeeny added. “We have to focus on ourselves and take it just one game at a time. We have a really good chance, and have to stay level headed, as the goal is to make the top three and get promoted.

“At this stage no matter who you play it is quite tricky. Oldham are fighting for their lives, but we go there full of confidence and will approach the game in the right way.”

 ?? Tom Sandberg/PPAUK ?? > Pierce Sweeney has been an unsung hero for Exeter City this season
Tom Sandberg/PPAUK > Pierce Sweeney has been an unsung hero for Exeter City this season

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