JAY SPARKS THE GRECIANS BACK INTO LIFE
Manager Taylor hails win over the U’s
MATT TAYLOR heaped praise on his Exeter side as they got their play-off push back on course with an easy win over Colchester.
Matt Jay put the Grecians in front on the stroke of half-time, before second-half goals from Lee Holmes and Nicky Law sealed the win.
Taylor beamed: “The goals were a reward for our structure and discipline on a difficult day in terms of the conditions.
“We had to patient in that first half and the players stuck to the plan.
“Matt Jay’s goal just released a little bit of pressure in terms of expectation and in the second half we almost played better against the wind because we had an option in behind.
“Colchester are a good team with good attacking players who will hurt a lot of teams this year.
“In the first half we limited them to half-sights of our goal but they cut through us at times in the second period and Christy Pym stood up when he needed to and did his job well. He is an excellent keeper.
“We knew where the space was and we couldn’t quite get to it in the first half. I was pleased with the front boys and the goals were reward on the back of a good team performance.”
Taylor is delighted the club’s injury curse seems to be behind them as well, as he welcomed back some of his senior players.
He added: “We had some of our experienced players back. I have said all along we should be getting stronger if this group of players stay fit. If you keep everyone fit, you give yourself a chance. I am hoping we have got through unscathed. We should be stronger going into the Notts County game. It is a good day all around.”
It was only Exeter’s second win in their last seven games, but the three points were enough to leapfrog Colchester back into the top seven.
The first half was a triumph of endeavour over creativity until Jay produced the only moment of quality.
His third goal in five games got the Grecians up and running as he planted a half-volley past Rene Gilmartin.
Exeter survived a scare at the start of the second half as the ball ricocheted into the path of talismanic midfielder Sammie Szmodics and his shot was brilliantly saved by Pym.
Jay turned creator for the second goal in the 66th minute when he sent a deft chip into the path of Holmes, who lifted the ball over the advancing Gilmartin.
Colchester then poured forward and Mikael Mandron and Szmodics forced Pym into smart saves.
But Law sealed the win in the 76th minute after latching on to Hiram Boateng’s pass and prodding the ball home, leaving Colchester with only one win from their last six games, which has seriously dented their promotion challenge.
U’s manager John McGreal said: “We were comfortable un-
til the 45th minute and a simple ball down the middle has killed us. We had 15 shots in the second half and their keeper has made some terrific saves. He seems to haunt us.
“I look at the scoreline and I am coming away thinking, how is that?
“We have to dust ourselves down because it is a crucial part of the season. We are still in with a great shout.
“We should have scored some goals today and that is why I think the score is harsh on us. We have got to continue working hard to keep the belief going.
“A little bit of lady luck and hopefully things will change. It is a big test for everyone and we need to do it together.”