Edgeley Park awaits Exeter City

Exeter City travel to Edgeley Park on Saturday for their first clash with Stockport County since 2009.

Following Tuesday night’s spirited 2-2 draw against Wycombe Wanderers, the Grecians will look to build on what has been a positive week across both league and cup competitions.  

The Grecians have shown glimpses of promise in recent weeks, performing admirably against the league leaders and securing a positive result midweek. However, they face a formidable Stockport County side, currently in strong form at home.

Despite a 2-0 midweek defeat to Birmingham City in the FA Cup, the Hatters have shown strong home form, losing just two of their nine matches at Edgeley Park this season. Exeter will need to be at their best to overcome a team known for their intensity, especially on their own turf. 

Exeter City will don their striking black, white, and gold third kit for this fixture, with black shorts marking a rare deviation from their usual strip. 

City boss Gary Caldwell sees this match as an opportunity to propel the Grecians back on track, "As I said after the Wycombe game, if you follow up with a win, it can be really positive," Caldwell stated. "Stockport are aggressive, especially at home, and we have to be ready for that." 

Gary Caldwell is optimistic about the opportunity to push the team forward. “As I said when we drew the game, if you follow up with a win it can be really positive. I watched Stockport's match Wednesday night, and first half they were a little passive but second half they were more aggressive and could have got something. We have to be prepared for the aggression they will show and how the home crowd will be." Caldwell added, "If we win on Saturday, we get our season back on track." 

The Grecians have been boosted by positive news on the injury front. “They’re all going to be full contact, full training today. I think Pat (Jones) is a fair bit away from being available. The other three (Demitri Mitchell, Reece Cole, Mustapha Carayol), if they get through today, would be available for selection. Swings (Pierce Sweeney) is going to train today, so he will come into the team if he gets through training.” 

Another highlight for City is the contract renewal of Jack Fitzwater, a player Caldwell values highly. “Since he came into the club, he hasn’t played as much as he liked...his character, his personality and whenever he does play shows a really high level. He is the type of player and type of person we want to keep at the club and build the team and squad around. When we started to discuss this, it was a no-brainer.” 

Stockport, back in the third tier after an extended absence, have acclimated well to League One football. Known for their resilience and home advantage, the Hatters boast an aggressive, high-energy style that will test Exeter's resolve. Despite their midweek FA Cup exit, Stockport’s strong league form ensures they remain a dangerous opponent. 

Exeter must maintain their defensive shape to withstand Stockport’s high-tempo attacks and leverage the creativity of their returning players to find scoring opportunities. A win could reinvigorate their campaign and provide a crucial boost as they enter the busy festive period. 

Can the Grecians build on their midweek momentum, or will Stockport continue their impressive home form? Saturday promises an exciting contest in League One.