Taylor sees positives in Grecians’ stalemate
MATT Taylor urged his promotion-chasing Exeter City side not to be “despondent” after a stalemate with Salford City at St James Park.
Salford dominated the first half and twice hit the woodwork, but Exeter were the better side after half-time without managing to find that elusive goal.
Taylor said: “That was a very good performance against a very strong team and if we play like that for the remaining games of the season, we will give ourselves a real chance.
“We have to try to force the issue and make sure we get there first, rather than wait for the perfect ball, but that’s a learning curve.
“I am certainly not disheartened by that performance, it was very good, and the players shouldn’t feel despondent either.”
Salford made the brighter start and Matthew Lund went close to opening the scoring, but his header clipped the top of the crossbar.
Moments later, Salford went close again, with Theo Vassell heading a corner kick against the base of a post as the Exeter goal led a charmed life.
Exeter responded with Jack Sparkes shooting from long range, but Tom King was equal to it and they then saw striker Sam Nombe limp off with an injury.
Salford lost Liam Shephard to injury just before half-time and it was the home side that went on to dominate the second half, with Jevani Brown seeing a shot blocked.
Exeter’s Tom Dieng headed straight at King, while Brown shot straight at the Salford goalkeeper as Exeter dominated, with Salford failing to register a shot on target.
Salford remain eight points outside the top seven and boss
Gary Bowyer said: “We started really well, we were causing real problems with our switch of play.
“It was two good teams having a good go at each other, but we have got to be better in the final third in the second half. We had some good opportunities, but didn’t exploit them well enough.
“But we made sure we kept that clean sheet, which is 15 for the season.
“Whenever you come away from and home and keep a clean sheet you are happy, but you always want more.”
He added: “Exeter are up there for a reason. They to do a lot of things that other clubs should take note of.”