Caldwell delighted with Grecians’ impressive display against Swans

EXETER City manager Gary Caldwell was left pleased by the Grecians final preseason outing after they beat Championship side Swansea City 1-0 at St James Park on Saturday. But more pleasing than the result was the performance as the result was deserved.

- DANIEL CLARK

In front of a crowd of nearly 4,000 for Pierce Sweeney's testimonial, Sonny Cox scored the only goal of the game moments into the second half to give Exeter the win.

‘The Swans saw three goals ruled out for offside - all from set pieces - but from open play failed to really threaten City.

‘The only goal came seconds after the break. Ilmari Niskanen set up Cox and the striker finished with aplomb to continue his fine preseason goalscoring form. That was the difference as City ensured Sweeney's testimonial, as he enters a decade of service for the Grecians, was celebrated with a victory.

“It is obviously a good result to beat a Championship team but more pleasing would be the performance,’ Caldwell said. “How we dug in when we didn’t have the ball, our structure out of possession was very good, intensity was very good, and the youngsters when they came on were excellent.

“There were so many positives and we are back in on Tuesday to do it for real.

“We want to be a good defensive team and the foundation of every team but comes with a cost and sacrifice from everyone to work to get the ball and defend the goal with our lives. There will be highs and lows but have a group full of spirit and work ethic.

“Our identity is clear and we know what we want to be, how we have coached and every game for gameplans has been really clear and players have taken it on board, but we are building on what we have done and older habits and improving some aspects of the game.