Exeter City left deflated after defeat at Birmingham City
Exeter City defender Jack Fitzwater said the Grecians squad were left deflated after their 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City. The Devon side battled bravely at St Andrew’s against the League One leaders, but failed to have a single shot on goal in what was a third straight league defeat.
In truth, the Blues didn’t create much either as City nullified their attack to a large extent. But one moment in first half stoppage-time proved to be the difference between the sides. Alfie May did well to keep the ball in play, he floated in a cross, and Ethan Laird was left unmarked to volley home at the back post.
That was all that separated the two teams, but City never really threatened an equalizer, not having a shot on goal all afternoon. Jack McMillan’s late red card for a second booking, and Vincent Harper suffering a serious looking head injury made it a difficult afternoon all around.
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“We are quite deflated,” Fitzwater said. “We didn’t show ourselves in forward areas where we normally create. We have to be braver on the ball, but effort, endeavor, the character of the team, we showed a bit of a reaction, but we have to be better on Tuesday.”
Of the goal, the boyhood Blues fans said: “It was one of the very few chances they have. We switch off in the box, a sloppy goal to concede, and it deflates us. We limited them but we need to be braver in the final third. It is something we can do better in the final third as have been really good recently and don’t want this to hinder us
“The feeling is one of deflation but we have to pick up and go again and get points on the board. We can be proud of how we dug in but have to be better on the ball.”
Victory for Birmingham, who remain unbeaten at St Andrew’s this season, saw them go two points clear at the top of League One, and with two games in hand on Wycombe Wanderers as well. Exeter, who have now lost three in a row in the league, and have only two wins in 12 in the league, are now down to 16 th .
