Grecians glee with vital victory

Exeter City delivered a massive three points in arguably their biggest game of the season on a cold afternoon at St James Park. 

City entered the visit from Carlisle United knowing that three points would lift them out of the relegation places in Sky Bet League One and drop the Cumbrians back into the bottom four. 

Given the importance of the occasion and turbulent run City have endured in recent months, the performance was right out of the top drawer, as the Grecians controlled the game and showed an enterprise that should guide them up the table in the second half of the season. 

Exeter handed a debut to new loan signing from Fulham, Luke Harris, and he quickly made an impression, twice going close in a breathless start to the game. City continued to exert pressure in the opening 45 minutes but also needed a top save from Vili Sinisalo to repel a rare Carlisle foray. 

The opener finally arrived just before the hour, when a cross from Harris fell into the path of Reece Cole to rifle home, and City carried that impetus into a decisive second, Sonny Cox scoring from close range after a Jack Aitchison drive had hit the post. 

Dan Butterworth gave Carlisle late hope but City survived nine minutes of injury time to secure a massive victory. 

Manager Gary Caldwell told the club website: "From the very start we were outstanding and controlled the game. 

"From the very first minute, Luke nearly scored with his first touch, and we totally dominated. I thought we added bits second half and scored two goals. It could have been easier, at 2-0 we should kill the game off and should have been three or four. We stood up to onslaught (after Carlisle's goal). 

"I'm not too big on league tables, and I spoke to the players at Reading after dropping into the bottom four and that hurts. We're better than that. After every game now, where do you want to be, how do you want to feel? 

"It was important we won, but I also liked the way we won." 

There was more good news from the Exeter City Academy, as the Under-18s thrashed Cheltenham Town 5-0 in a stirring display on Saturday morning.