Exeter City manager Matt Taylor says his team can take confidence from their recent away victory as they prepare for a tough test at Colchester United this weekend. The Grecians head to the JobServe Stadium on Saturday sitting 14th in League Two with 12 points from 10 games.
Taylor pointed to the feeling after Sonny Cox's 86th-minute winner secured a 1-0 win at Shrewsbury Town last Saturday, ending a long run without an away victory. "The feeling that we had at the end of the game, the feeling we had when Sonny’s goal went in and on the journey home, puts us in a good position to go to Colchester," the 44-year-old manager said. That result was part of a recent run of form that reads two wins, two draws and one defeat from the last five matches.
Taylor analyses Colchester United
The Exeter boss has spent several evenings studying Colchester's home performances, including their recent defeat at Newport County. Taylor noted the pitch condition at Rodney Parade contributed to a disjointed game, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about their upcoming opponents. "Watching their home games back in detail over the last few evenings, I’ve had a little bit of an idea of what to expect," he explained. Taylor had a loan spell with Colchester during the 2013/14 season, giving him additional insight into the club.
Expecting a physical battle
Taylor anticipates a fiercely competitive encounter against a Colchester side currently 19th in the table. "We expect a tough test, a real examination of ourselves," he stated. "Two honest teams going at it with some quality on the pitch." He praised Colchester's experienced management duo and said both teams will be desperate for the win. Taylor emphasized that the outcome will hinge on his side's mentality and physical readiness, insisting they must be prepared to secure a positive result.
Exeter's back-to-back league wins, including the victory over Accrington Stanley prior to the Shrewsbury success, have built momentum. Taylor wants another positive performance from his players as they look to climb the standings. Exeter City will travel to face Colchester United at the JobServe Stadium on Saturday, 17 October.
Background and full detail: Exeter City FC
Exeter City travel to face 19th-placed Colchester United on Saturday, 17 October. The U's have confirmed the match is their dedicated Together Against Racism matchday, joining the EFL-wide campaign. A minute's silence will be held before kick-off in memory of former club director John Worsp and ex-player Doug Loft. The hosts also noted their unbeaten home league form this season, with two wins and two draws. Exeter, 14th in League Two with 12 points, won their last outing 1-0 at Shrewsbury.
Manager Matt Taylor urged his side to build on their momentum after securing back-to-back league wins for the first time since January. "When you win games of football everything feels more positive," Taylor told reporters, adding, "we can't rest on that." The Grecians, now 14th in League Two with 12 points from 10 games, face Colchester United away on Saturday, 17 October.
Exeter City's 1-0 win at Shrewsbury Town on October 10 was their first away victory since January 24, the club confirmed. Sonny Cox's 86th-minute strike, assisted by George Birch, secured the three points. The Grecians, 14th in League Two with 12 points, travel to face 19th-placed Colchester United on Saturday, October 17.
