Great Start For Sam

Sam Collins is doing his chances of landing his first managerial job a power of good. Admittedly Exeter City had injury problems but Sam had the courage to pick a young side which fully deserved their 2-1 win in Devon ..

They are the lads who have grown to respect the 37 year old as he has brought them on in the reserve side, and they are repaying the faith he has put in them.

A lesser caretaker manager would have gone for seasoned pros like Marelon Harewood but he wasn't even on the bench. That sent out a signal to the younger players that their chance has come just in the same way that Sam's has.

He appears to be putting in long days making sure everything is done as professionally as possible, and admits to sleepless nights as he goes through his mental tickbox. Good for him.

His side started well with Dan Jones at full back and Lewis Hawkins in midfield, and the former hit the bar with a header from a corner after seeing his long range shot palmed behind.

City had won their last four league games but deservedly went behind after the break when the energetic Michael Duckworth raced down  the right. His long cross was met by Woods  who volleyed his first goal for the club.

Hawkins almost made it two only to see his volley hit Matt Oakley’s knee on the line and come back into goalkeeper Pym’s hands.

However, Pools got their second after 65 minutes with Wyke and Hawkins combining  to shred the home defence  and the one loand Borto striker cooly slotting into the bottom conrer.

The home keep was kept busy, however Poolsallowed a nervy finish when Christian Ribeiro scored after Flinders had parried Jimmy Keohane’s header.

Flinders did pull off a great save  from sub Noble in the 89th minute, while  Woods made space for himself but  Pym pulled off a save.

Rejoice. We are now our of the bottom three with Luton up next.

Exeter: Pym, Davies, Ribeiro, Oakley, Woodman, Riley-Lowe (Nicols, 61), Butterfield (Noble, 71), Grimes, Keohane, Bennett (C), Cummins (Wheeler, 61).

Subs Not Used: Hamon, Tillson, Noble, Jay, Watkins.

Goal: Ribeiro (80)

Pools Flinders (C), Duckworth, Harrison, Austin, Jones, Miller, Bates, Wood, Brobbel, Hawkins (Franks, 90), Wyke.

Subs Not Used: Richards, Holden, Green,

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