Exeter City have won just one of their opening six League Two games this season. That poor start has left the club 20th in the table, only a single point above the relegation zone as they prepare to host Tranmere Rovers this weekend.
Matt Taylor, the manager, acknowledged the challenge after a difficult 1-0 defeat away to Port Vale last Saturday. "Saturday felt so difficult and felt such a challenging moment for the squad for the staff," Taylor said. The team failed to register a single shot on target in that match, a statistic that underlines their attacking struggles.
A lack of goals
The numbers are stark. Exeter have scored only four goals in their six league outings, a tally better than only Northampton Town and Port Vale. Their total of 17 shots on target is the second-lowest in the division, ahead of only Rochdale. Jack Fitzwater has provided two of those four goals, with Reece Cole adding one and an own goal making up the total. This meagre output extends across all competitions, with just six goals scored in eight games this term.
"Clearly when our goal record has been what it is then confidence will become an issue," Taylor admitted. The broader picture is equally concerning, with just three wins secured in the last 28 matches across league and cup.
Home form offers hope
In contrast to their overall struggles, Exeter's form at St James Park provides a glimmer of optimism. They are unbeaten in four home games this season, recording two wins and two draws. More impressively, they have conceded just one goal in those matches at their own ground. This solid defensive foundation at home will be vital against a Tranmere side sitting 10th in the standings.
The visitors arrive off the back of their first defeat of the campaign, a 2-0 loss at Gillingham. Before that, they had started with two wins and three draws. However, their longer-term form shows just one win in their last 14 outings, with nine losses in that run.
The bigger picture
This match carries added significance as Exeter City celebrate a major milestone. The club is marking 125 years of existence, while the Exeter City Women's team is celebrating its own 25th anniversary. A positive result would provide a fitting double celebration for the Grecians' community.
After suffering relegation from League One last season, the aim is a swift return. The current position of 20th, with five points from a possible 18, is not part of that plan. The team's recent form, with one win, two draws and two losses in their last five, needs an immediate boost. Check the full schedule for the season ahead on our fixtures page.
The task is clear. Exeter must find a way to translate their resilient home performances into the goals required to climb the table. Their next opportunity comes against Tranmere Rovers at St James Park on Saturday, 19 September.
Background and full detail: Devon Live
