Andrew urges positivity after City defeat

Exeter City’s newest defender Danny Andrew has urged his teammates to “stay positive” despite a 2-0 home defeat to Port Vale at St James Park.

The left-back, making his home debut, admitted disappointment at the manner of the goals conceded but stressed the importance of bouncing back.

“Everyone’s disappointed with the manner we’ve lost the game, but it’s really important we stay positive and look forward to Tuesday night, and look to change it around and get a win,” Andrew said.

“Take the obvious mistakes out and I don’t think they put too much pressure on our backline and our keeper, but we can’t give goals like that away.”

City’s afternoon started badly as an early defensive lapse gifted Ruari Paton possession inside the box, and the striker drilled past Viljami Sinisalo to give Vale the lead after just four minutes.

Things got worse on the stroke of half time when Paton turned provider, sliding Devante Cole through to finish calmly and double the visitors’ advantage.

Manager Gary Caldwell made one change from the side beaten at Rotherham, with Sonny Cox replacing Jayden Wareham and Reece Cole returning to the bench. The Grecians created chances in both halves but couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Jake Doyle-Hayes saw an effort blocked, while Magennis and Niskanen both went close. In the second half, Cox was denied by a superb save from Gauci and Niskanen dragged wide when clean through.

Despite sustained pressure after the break, City couldn’t find a way back and were left to reflect on a second successive league defeat.

They now turn attention to Tuesday night’s Vertu Trophy tie at St James Park against Cardiff City, with Andrew hoping for a response in front of the home crowd.