Match preview: Exeter City v AFC Bournemouth

City’s recent record in the Capital One Cup has rarely seen them get past the first round – that comes as little surprise though, considering the opposition that they faced since being back in the League.

Southampton, QPR (twice), Ipswich, Liverpool and Crystal Palace had been the six teams that have knocked out City since 2008 – taking the Tractorboys to extra-time was as close as City have got to causing an upset.

And now it is AFC Bournemouth that the Grecians face. In the past that prospect would have been a lot less daunting, but the sudden surge that the Cherries have had in the past couple of seasons means that they are relative heavyweights at the Park this season. The likes of ex-Premier League players Junior Stanislas and Dan Gosling are just two examples of the lure of Dean Court these days.

So the test is on for Exeter’s young side. A steady recovery from the virus that struck the squad means that Paul Tisdale is less likely to have to conduct a headcount and pack his match gear, but it will be a real test nonetheless.

Tickets will be on sale this afternoon from the ticket booths and on the turnstiles to the Thatchers Big Bank. Click here for full ticket information for this game.