Caldwell welcomes the benefit of Torquay game

EXETER City conclude their preseason programme with a double header, which starts with tonight’s Devon derby at National South outfit Torquay United and concludes with Pierce Sweeney's testimonial clash against Championship side Swansea City at St James Park tomorrow.

- STUART JAMES

The Grecians returned from a few days away in Manchester last weekend, where they picked up a 4-1 friendly win against fellow fan-owned club FC United of Manchester and 2-0 success against an Aston Villa Under-21 side. A scratch team is expected at Plainmoor tonight with tomorrow's clash with the Swans a dress rehearsal for the real stuff that begins next weekend at Doncaster Rovers.

“It was brilliant, it was really good to get away and have a change of environment and I think that is important for players in preseason,” manager Gary Caldwell said.

“Both games were competitive and we got a lot out of them; most players got 90 minutes, which was really important at this stage that we are starting to get that into the players’ legs.

“We trained again (on Wednesday), the boys are in a really good place. Today will be our toughest day of the week heading into two big games on Friday and Saturday.