Exeter City to work hard for a win on ‘Brazil Day’ match against AFC Wimbledon

For all the carnival-type festivities that are going along with Exeter City’s ‘Brazil Day’ match against AFC Wimbledon this weekend, it’ll be important to not detract from the small matter of three points at stake.

Both teams enter with an identical record in the opening exchanges – a win and a draw apiece to begin the Sky Bet League 2 campaign, and a proverbial ‘early bath’ from the Capital One Cup.

If the fixture is anything like the last encounter between the Grecians and the Dons, then it won’t be for the faint-hearted. A 2-2 draw at Kingsmeadow back in April – which seesawed wildly before ending honours-even – was a thrilling and entertaining way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Whether or not that drama will be echoed on Saturday remains to be seen.  Although under Neal Ardley the Wombles are shoring up their defence and have brought in heaps of experience to their rearguard, after conceding a mammoth 76 league goals last term – comfortably the worst defensive record in the division.

Indeed, four of those goals came at the hands of City – Jamie Reid bagging a brace on his first professional start in southwest London, which followed the 2-0 win at the Park the previous January.

All that remains to be seen for City is the starting XI – with a few knocks and niggles sustained during last weekend’s trip to Mansfield, Paul Tisdale may feel the need to dip into the side’s reserves.

Exeter City assistant manager Rob Edwards said: “We had a busy medical room on Monday, but as usual it had cleared out by the end of the week.  

"We hopefully won’t have many missing for Saturday but there might be one or two."

AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley said: "We have to make sure that Exeter’s performance levels and quality are at their highest if they are to get anything from the game.

"I cannot guarantee that we will produce free-flowing football, but I can guarantee that we will be very hard-working and well organised. If we put in that sort of performance then Exeter will have to be at their best."

Tickets
As usual, tickets can be bought on the day of the game from the booths around the ground or at the turnstiles for fans wishing to stand in the Big Bank. Click here for ticket prices.

Words by Richard Dorman

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