Match Preview | Exeter City (A)

6 May 2023

Our 2022/23 Sky Bet League One campaign comes to a close on Sunday 7 May with a trip to Devon to face Exeter City at St James Park.

Last time out, in what was our final home game of the season, the Shrimps came back from 2-0 down to beat Lincoln City 3-2 at the Mazuma Stadium in dramatic fashion.

Last time out, Exeter were beaten 6-0 by promotoion-winning Ipswich Town.

The Opposition

The Grecians sit 15th in League One with 14 wins, 11 draws and 20 defeats after 45 games.

City earned their promotion to the third tier last season after a spell of bad luck in League Two Play-Off Finals.

Having lost three finals in four seasons, the Devon-based side were promoted to the third tier after clinching automatic promotion from League Two last season. Exeter have spent the last ten years in the fourth tier and, despite their play-off heartbreak, City earned themselves a memorable FA Cup replay when they drew 2-2 against Liverpool at St James Park in 2016.

Gary Caldwell is currently in charge of Exeter. Caldwell spent four years at Celtic and five years at Wigan Athletic during his playing career as a centre back.

The Scotsman has spent time in the dugout at Wigan Athletic, Chesterfield and Partick Thistle before making the move to Devon in October following the departure of Matt Taylor to Rotherham.

Key Players

Forward Jay Stansfield has had a good season up top for the Grecians. The Fulham loanee, and son of former Grecian Adam who tragically passed away aged 31 following a battle with cancer, has netted six times this season and has clocked up eight assists to-date. At the age of 20, Stansfield is looking to impress in the EFL and has been capped for England already at U18 and U20 level.

Defender Jake Caprice has had a solid season at the back for City. The 30-year-old has also been a threat going forward, chipping in with six assists and one goal throughout the campaign. Caprice began his career at Crystal Palace and has played in the EFL for the likes of Leyton Orient and Tranmere Rovers before moving to Devon in 2020.

Midfielder Archie Collins has been playing for Exeter throughout his career. The 23-year-old has had loan spells with Weston-Super-Mare and Dorchester Town, but established himself within the Grecians ranks since returning. This season, the midfielder has scored six goals and picked up two assists so far.

Gary Caldwell’s Thoughts

Speaking on the Exeter City YouTube channel, boss Gary Caldwell admits he is looking forward to facing an in-form Morecambe side.

“What we do know is that they’re in form,” he said.

“They’ve played the same way in their last few games so I’d be very surprised if they changed that but when we play at home it’s about what we do regardless of who we play.”

Team News

Derek Adams will be without Donald Love, Pape Souare and Courney Duffus for Sunday’s game.

Meet The Officials

Carl Brook will referee Sunday’s fixture and will be assisted by Paul Lister-Flynn, Marvyn Amphlett and fourth official Adam Ricketts.

Brook has taken charge of 35 games so far this season; 15 in League One, 11 in League Two, five in the Papa John’s Trophy and two in each of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

The official last refereed Morecambe in September 2020 when the Shrimps overcame Cheltenham Town by two goals to one in League Two.

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Match Reports

Report | Exeter City 3 Morecambe 2

7 May 2023

The Shrimps fell to a 3-2 defeat against Exeter City on Sunday afternoon, confirming relegation from Sky Bet League One.

A close-range header and a last-minute strike by Cole Stockton was not enough to avoid the drop, with Jay Stansfield netting a hat trick at St James’ Park.

Both sides produced opportunities in what was a hotly contested opening 15 minutes, Stockton found an early route towards goal but found himself straying into an offside position.

A free kick from the halfway line by Josh Austerfield soared over to Farrend Rawson, who headed the ball towards goal, forcing City 'keeper Jamal Blackman into an easy catch.

In the 15^th minute, Stockton played a fantastic ball through to Dan Crowley on the edge of the box, his venemous effort narrowly strayed past the far post.

The Grecians soon began to put the pressure on with a number of corners, Will Aimson catching the ball in the box in the 31^st minute but firing well over Connor Ripley’s crossbar.

A late hit by Jensen Weir was the final chance for the Shrimps in the first half, the power was there but it was straight down the throat of Blackman.

Half time: Exeter City 0 Morecambe 0

Four minutes into second half, Exeter broke the deadlock as the ball was worked to Stansfield, the Fulham-loanee fired home at close range to make it 1-0.

The Shrimps were not behind for long, Niasse sent a beautifully placed ball to the edge of Exeter’s box where Stockton capitalised on a miscommunication at the back before heading home the equaliser.

Just four minutes later, Stansfield fired the hosts in front for the second time after receiving the ball from a well-delivered cross before firing past Ripley.

Morecambe fought hard in the following minutes to level proceedings once more, but Stansfield was able to find a third, once again netting from close range.

Jensen Weir took a late shot as the Shrimps desperately looked to force a way back into the game, smashing the ball from inside the penalty box in hope to close the lead, however, Blackman managed to get a glove to it to deflect the ball behind for a corner.

With what proved to be one of the last moments of action, Stockton netted his and Morecambe's second of the game, cutting the host’s advantage down to one in extra time.

Full-time: Exeter City 3 Morecambe 2

Morecambe: Ripley, Gibson, Rawson (Shaw 62'), Taylor (Delaney 44'), Crowley (Hunter 55'), Stockton, Gnahoua (Niasse 46'), Weir, Bedeau, Cooney (Mayor 55'), Austerfield (Simeu 85').

Subs not used: Smith.

Goals: Stockton (53’, 90+14').

Bookings: Weir, Mayor, Hunter.

Red cards: None.

Exeter City: Blackman, Key, Grounds, Aimson, Hartridge (Sweeney 35'), Mitchell (Sparkes 63'), Collins, Chauke (Kite 62'), Borges (Caprice 74'), Stansfield (Cox 74'), Nombe (Scott 87').

Subs not used: Coley.

Goals: Stansfield (49’, 57’, 68’).

Bookings: Caprice.

Red cards: None.

Attendance: 7,386 (658 away).