‘Sing Grecian lullabies’
- Let’s Be Civilised, The Damnwells (2011)
The Grecians
With 10 games to play, Exeter arrive at Bescot very much in the race for automatic promotion and close to securing a play-off berth. Currently occupying 4th position, the Grecians sit 11 places and 21 points above the Saddlers, with a league record of P36 W11 D11 L7 F52 A40 Pt65.
Their form over the last ten league matches has been mixed, with four wins and three defeats, so the visitors will be under pressure to get back on track having taken just 2 points from their last three games and missing out on a trip to Wembley with an FLT semi-final defeat at Portsmouth.
Though their away record is the third best in the division, they have struggled on their travels of late, losing three of the last four away from St James Park.
Ryan Bowman leads the Exeter scoring charts with 13 goals and has ample attacking support from Nicky Law (7 goals, 7 assists), Lee Martin (6G, 2A), Randell Williams (5G, 13A) and Matt Jay (4G, 4A).
Recent League Form
Feb 11 Oldham (H) Won 5-1
Feb 15 Macclesfield (A) Won 3-2
Feb 22 Northampton (A) Lost 2-0
Feb 29 Crawley (H) Drew 1-1
Mar 03 Crewe (H) Drew 1-1
Previous Meeting
Exeter last visited Bescot for an FA Cup 1st Round replay back in November 2011.
Richard Logan put the Grecians ahead just before half time before quick-fire goals from Jon Macken (64’) and Alex Nicholls (69’) put Walsall ahead. Elliot Frear (77’) equalised for Exeter to send the game to extra time, where the tie was finally settled by George Bowerman (98’).
David Noble’s last minute strike had cancelled out Mark Wilson’s goal for Walsall in the original tie.
Played For Both
Left winger Lee Holmes joined Exeter in 2015 and is the only present link between the sides. He enjoyed a successful spell at Walsall in the second half of the 2007-08 season, scoring four goals in 19 games whilst on loan from Derby County.
Mike Cecere played more than 100 games for Walsall in the early nineties, scoring 32 goals before moving to Exeter. He spent two seasons at St James Park before ending his career at Rochdale.
Don Goodman, Alex Nicholls and Kane Wilson have played for both teams in recent times, whilst Walsall coach Marcus Stewart finished his playing career with the Grecians.
Prediction
Exeter are a good team in need a good result, Walsall are an improving team with very little to play for - so the pressure really is on the visitors.
If we can maintain the promising attacking improvements achieved in recent home games and cut out the defensive mishaps, we’re more than capable of winning. That will likely require a real 90 minute performance though, something this team tends to lack.
It’s worth noting that Exeter have played twice since Walsall’s last game on 22nd February, which could have an influence on the game. An exciting 3-2 win for the Saddlers.
Match Poll
- Walsall Win
- Draw
- Exeter Win
