Exeter City manager Matt Taylor frustrated by attacking woes in Port Vale defeat

Exeter City Football Club's attacking struggles deepened with a 1-0 defeat at Port Vale, a result that leaves them 20th in League Two. The only goal came from a 70th-minute penalty by George Byers after Luca Woodhouse fouled Jordan Gabriel in the box.

Matt Taylor, the manager, did not hide his frustration after the match. "We have to be honest in terms of where we're at as an attacking output team," he told reporters. His side failed to register a single shot on target during the game, their third league defeat in six matches.

A worrying trend

The loss at Vale Park means Exeter have now scored just four goals in League Two this season, the second-lowest total in the division. They have taken only five points from their opening six games, sitting seven points behind early leaders Barnet. Taylor pointed to recent home draws against Walsall and Barnet, suggesting his team should have four more points if they had converted chances in those games.

Financial restrictions and the summer departure of experienced players following relegation from League One have complicated the rebuild. Last season's top scorer, Jayden Wareham, was sold towards the end of August, and the club could not sign any free agents after the transfer window closed. This has left the squad thin on proven attacking options.

"At the moment, I can't fault the honesty of the group, but I'm well aware exactly where we are," Taylor added. He warned that continued failure to find the net could lead to a damaging dip in confidence and form for his young side.

The immediate focus shifts to halting that slide at home to Tranmere Rovers this Saturday. Tranmere currently sit 10th in the table, providing another tough test for Exeter's misfiring attack.

Background and full detail: bbc.com