Exeter City Football Club head to Weston-super-Mare on Saturday aiming to show progress after a disjointed loss to Truro City. The Grecians, preparing for the League One season that kicks off in three weeks, will field a likely stronger XI after a week of focused training.
What happened at Truro City?
Exeter City Football Club were beaten 1-0 by Truro City last Saturday, with Tyler Harvey scoring the only goal from the penalty spot. Matt Taylor’s side controlled possession but lacked cutting edge, managing few clear chances despite dominating the first half. “We had the better of the ball but didn’t create anything until the last minute,” Taylor said. “A disappointing second half, but pre-season games always become disjointed when you make the substitutions.”
City used a young squad at Truro, sharing minutes widely. Jayden Wareham, Reece Cole and Jack Fitzwater each logged just 30 minutes, while Taylor Perry-signed from Shrewsbury Town on Friday-did not feature at all. Sonny Cox, Kieran Wilson and Jake Doyle-Hayes also missed the trip to Cornwall, alongside long-term absentee Ed Turns, still sidelined until year-end.
Why it matters for Exeter City Football Club
The Weston-super-Mare friendly is the second pre-season test for Exeter City Football Club, who sit 21st in League One after last season’s 49-point haul from 46 games. City shipped 61 goals and scored 52, leaving them nine adrift and 54 points behind champions Lincoln. Taylor stressed the focus now is on fitness, cohesion and fine-tuning combinations. “We’re looking at partnerships, at starting elevens, at players who can provide what we need when the season starts,” he said.
Taylor expects more familiar faces to start against Weston-super-Mare, with new signings in the frame. “There’s probably some more familiar faces on the pitch from the off,” he said. “And then there’s the new signings to get into that as well.” The club has added several bodies in recent days and hopes they’ll be available to play on Saturday.
What comes next?
Exeter City Football Club will use the Weston-super-Mare game to push minutes closer to 90 for more players. A handful managed full games at Truro, and Taylor expects that number to rise this weekend. “A couple of players did really well to get through full minutes at the weekend. I’m sure a few more will do that this weekend,” he added. The match also offers a chance to test City against a well-organized National League South side before the League One curtain-raiser.
Weston-super-Mare’s tidy setup and good pitch make it a regular pre-season stop for Exeter City Football Club. Taylor also flagged travel logistics, noting the unpredictable M5 journey north. “Weston is always a good place to go,” he said. “Nice pitch, we’re always well looked after there.” The Grecians wrap up pre-season with local ties, reinforcing community links ahead of the new League One campaign.
