A View From the South West Exeter City v Birmingham City 26th November 2024

I’m no wordsmith like Bazza – but here’s my take on last night’s game.

My first away game since Argyle last year. Disadvantage living in the south west, not that I’m complaining. I’m grateful that a friend couldn’t go so I was able to.

I went with my son, after meeting at his work place, he works in Exeter. We had a pint and met a couple of other Devon based Blues fans. We discussed the team and potential formation. My son’s boss said that Exeter liked to pass the ball around, and we all felt that would play into our hands.

The weather had changed and was now chucking it down as we walked to the ground. Before Exeter re-developed the away end, it used to be open. Thankfully now covered, it meant we wouldn’t get soaked!

I enjoyed being stood on the terrace again, although it is shallow and not very high. It meant being behind the goal, the view was slightly obscured by the crossbar.

There was a moving moment where in the Stansfield stand, the Exeter fans passed across the stand, a massive number 9 shirt with Stansfield on the back. This of course relates to Jay’s dad, Adam, who sadly died of cancer. He was a big favourite at St James Park, and it was a fitting display of affection for their sadly departed hero. I was pleased that the Blues fans joined in the applause – certainly near me anyway.

We started strongly passing the ball round a lot more effectively than Saturday. You would have thought we were the home side as we hardly gave them a sniff.

Alfie May had a great chance to put us ahead, but an excellent block from the defender kept the ball out. However shortly afterwards, Beilik put a hopeful ball in the box which was partly cleared only for Iwata to drill the ball into the bottom left corner to put Blues 1 up.

After the goal it was one way traffic, and Willumsson should have converted either of the two headed chances he had. Normally he would have buried either or both. If he had, there wouldn’t have been too many complaints. We were dominating the game.

The second half saw Exeter up their game as they attacked The Big Bank. They saw more of the ball and had some good passages of play without really troubling us. However as the half went on, we began to take control and to be honest looked more dangerous on the break. We had a couple of half chances before on around 80 min, there was a handball in the Exeter City box and the ref pointed to the spot. I wasn’t sure at first glance live, but having seen the replay – it was the correct decision. Mind you if he hadn’t have given it for that, the challenge on Anderson just after was definitely a foul anyway!

Of course only one person would take it, Jay stepped up and buried it in the bottom right corner. There was a muted celebration, effectively showing respect to the club his dad played for and he was nurtured in. Quite right too. Having said that, he was clearly pleased to score. Quite right too! (See video).

After the penalty, we effectively held the ball, although Exeter did have one break and their first and only shot on target, all be it a tame one.

In the end we deserved the 3 points and would have deserved a higher margin, but after the debacle Saturday, it was good to return to winning ways and have another clean sheet.

There was some funny banter with their goalkeeper (Whitworth). He’s not a particularly big lad and a bunch of chants which included, does you mummy know you’re out, have you got school in the morning, can you touch the crossbar, Alfie May is bigger than you, (something Alfie Joined in with by jumping up next to the keeper waiting for a corner!), and my favourite Warwick Davies is bigger than you. He wasn’t rattled and seemed to find it all funny. At the end of the game he jumped and touched the crossbar, gaining a cheer from the Blues fans – he also gave us a clap. Good sport.

I do have to make a comment about the ref. The standard in the Championship was poor, but in this division it’s another level – poorly! This ref was diabolical. He made all sorts of odd decisions for and against both teams. He was all over some challenges, then letting a worse one go. He was genuinely appalling.

A special mention to Exeter City. This is a proper club with genuine fans, who are clearly involved and passionate. It’s always a pleasure to come here, which I do from time to time living down here.

Anyway a good night out. Same again in two weeks? Oh go on then!