GRECIANS CAN’T TOPPLE POOLS
MATT Taylor accused his Exeter side of lacking quality as they played out a dour goalless draw.
In a game of few clearcut chances, and where neither goalkeeper had a proper save to make, the home side dominated, especially after visiting captain Nicky Featherstone was shown a straight red card for a poor tackle on Josh Key.
But despite the man advantage, Exeter could not break down a well-drilled Hartlepool, who were good value for a point.
“I’m disappointed and I think people will see it as a slight step back, but I think we are moving in the right direction,” Taylor said.
“I’m disappointed when you look at where the ball was in the last half an hour of the game, but we just didn’t work the goalkeeper enough.
“We didn’t have enough quality in our game to be able to do that. Rarely did we beat the opposition in a onev-one
situation or by moving the ball and you have to give credit to the opposition.”
Hartlepool started well, forcing three early corners, while Timi Odusina went close with a fierce shot that was superbly tipped over the bar by Cameron Dawson.
Exeter’s best chance came when a ball deflected into the path of Padraig Amond, but he wildly lashed the ball wide of the near post, while Matt Jay shot tamely at Hartlepool goalkeeper Ben Killip
Hartlepool’s Luke Molyneux brought a somewhat drab half to a close when he skied high from close range.
The second half started with Featherstone being shown a straight red card for a high tackle on Josh Key and Exeter started to crank up the pressure.
Substitute Jack Sparkes fired straight at Killip before the goalkeeper made a great stop to deny the same player, while Jake Caprice saw an effort land on the roof of the net.
Hartlepool defended superbly and with the last chance of the game, Exeter’s Tim Dieng screwed a shot wide at the back post as their afternoon ended in frustration.
Visiting boss Graeme Lee was delighted with a point adding: “You come to Exeter and you know you are going to be in for a tough game.
“I thought we dominated the game in the first half and created good opportunities. It was very controlled and we spoke at half-time about going back out with the same intensity and then eight minutes into the second half you lose your captain.
“The lads put their bodies on the line, made first contact with crosses and got our heads on it. The only downside is we didn’t look a threat. Going into the last few games, we are back playing a 3-5-2 and we have looked solid and can control games.
“We were just lacking in that final third.”