Exeter set for Birmingham clash

Exeter City will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat to Wrexham as they welcome Birmingham City to a sold-out St James Park tonight.

The Grecians face a formidable opponent in Birmingham, a team tipped as League One favourites but currently sitting fourth after a mixed start to the season.

Without a win in their last three matches - including a dramatic 3-2 loss to Shrewsbury Town at the weekend - the visitors will be desperate to regain form.

This will be the first league meeting between the two sides in 32 years. Exeter’s last victory over Birmingham dates back to a 2-1 triumph in the old Division Three - a result fans will be hoping to see repeated under the floodlights tonight.

Both teams come into the game eager to return to winning ways, and with similar tactical setups, the midfield battle is set to be decisive. Gary Caldwell’s side will be buoyed by an electric atmosphere, and the manager is confident his team can take advantage of Birmingham’s recent struggles.

“They were beaten by Shrewsbury at the weekend, and it didn’t surprise me because no result in football surprises me,” Caldwell said ahead of the match. “Having watched it back, Birmingham should have won with the chances they created, but Shrewsbury punished them. We’ve analysed Birmingham for what they are - a very good football team - but we’re ready for the challenge.”

Caldwell was quick to stress that reputation alone won’t faze Exeter:
“I think we can cause them a lot of problems. We’ve prepared well and believe we can match them. The atmosphere will be special tonight, and I hope Birmingham feel that - it’s different, it’s unique.”

Adding to the anticipation is the return of Jay Stansfield, a player Caldwell described as “a special footballer and a special person.” Reflecting on Stansfield’s memorable hat-trick against Morecambe earlier this season, Caldwell noted: “It was probably one of the most emotional moments I’ve seen in football.”

Off the pitch, Exeter City Women gave fans a reason to celebrate earlier this week, thrashing Plymouth Argyle 5-1 in their Women’s FA Cup second-round tie -a dominant display that affirmed Devon as red.

A remind that St James Road will be closed to traffic between 18:15pm and 22:15pm this evening. Click here for more information.

With the home crowd behind them and Stansfield back in the fold, Exeter City will hope to make a statement tonight, aiming to build momentum for the season ahead. Up the City!