Soccer
Matt Taylor likes the strong work ethic of his Exeter team
Exeter manager Matt Taylor felt his side did everything but score as they were held to a 0-0 Sky Bet League Two draw against Walsall at St James Park.
The Grecians dominated an entertaining game for large spells and created the better chances but – just as they did against Barnet in midweek, which they drew 1-1 – lacked a finishing touch to their enterprising play.
Taylor said: “We feel that was a winning performance and if we play like that week in, week out – and put that performance on the pitch – then we will pick up points this season and the scoreline could have been different.
“It wasn’t to be, but I can’t be too hard on the group, they gave everything and more and that is the best we have been on the ball, hence the chances we created against a very good Walsall team that has some really good players.
“I’d love to be sat here with the goals and the three points – and that is what we should be talking about – but it is another point and we are moving in the right direction.
He added: “It’s harsh on the group to suggest it’s four points dropped from two home games and they don’t deserve that tag of ‘points dropped.’ I don’t see it as a missed opportunity because of what they have given.
“I can forgive mistakes and moments in the game which don’t quite go in our favour, but we have seen a connected team in the last two games, a hard-working team and one that will only get better.”
Walsall boss Lee Grant hailed the efforts of both teams and was happy to leave Devon with a point from the game.
“It was two really hard working teams and a different sort of Exeter to last season, but an incredibly hard working one, who were very diligent about their work – as were we,” Grant said.
“We know that coming away to any team in this division is hard, especially those teams that were in the league above last season, and they made it very difficult for us, but we made it very difficult for them as well.
“It was two teams fighting for every yard, every inch. I am disappointed that we didn’t create more, or take the chances that we created, but I think Matt will be saying the same in his changing room as well.
“I’d like to have seen us take the ball more and dominate possession, but we just lacked that little bit in the final third today.
“We have a group that is willing to work really hard and have applied that consistently and I congratulate the team on that, but they want a bit more and that’s a positive. We roll on.”
