Exeter City were beaten by Bristol City in a pre-season friendly

Exeter City suffered their first defeat of the pre-season as they were beaten 2-1 away by Bristol City. Two second-half goals from Harry Cornick put the Robins ahead before Josh Magennis’ late penalty pulled one back for the Grecians.

But despite the defeat, City manager Gary Caldwell was pleased with what his side could take from their friendly. There were more minutes in the tank and lessons will be learned as to what is needed before the season begins.

“It was another brilliant game for us in terms of the quality of the opposition, the quality of the pitch and it was a really good test for us,” he said.

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“I thought in the first half we were excellent, we controlled the game in general, we gave away a poor chance from a corner but I thought we were in control. I created moments where the last pass wasn’t quite there, but if it was, I was.

“The first half I was very happy, the second half I scored two bad goals. Then the younger guys came in and I thought our spirit was brilliant. We got back into the game, created a good chance, pushed them all the way. It’s been a brilliant pre-season exercise, a lot to take from how we want to perform in possession and out of possession, but some things we need to work on.”

Vincent Harper made his first appearance of the summer for Caldwell’s side while Jack McMillan showed his versatility starting in central midfield as City continued their build-up to the start of action just two weeks away .

The Robins had their first real chance when Ross McCrorie outpaced Joe Whitworth but his header hit the crossbar. Millenic Alli had City’s best chance of the first half but could only fire straight at the keeper.

The deadlock was broken in 58 minutes and it was the Championship team that broke it. Half-time substitute Raekwan Nelson burst down the left before sending a cross into the box. The ball found an unmarked Harry Cornick eight yards from goal who calmly slotted it under Whitworth.

Ten minutes later it was 2-0. A cross from the left was flicked on, skipped past Yanic Wildschut and Jack Fitzwater and Cornick fired the ball home from close range.

The Greeks withdrew a penalty ten minutes from the end. Tom Dean’s goal kick appeared to hit the arm of a Robins defender. Josh Magennis rose to take the penalty, sending the keeper wide. But Exeter couldn’t find the equalizer and suffered a first defeat of the pre-season.

“We talked a lot about our defense and how we want to be better next season and today we faced good opposition and I thought the finish for their second goal was great and they punished us,” he Caldwell added.

“We have to be a lot tighter and a lot more diligent in our defense to stop opportunities like that and we’ve improved throughout pre-season. There are two weeks to go and three games to go.”

Caldwell’s men return to action on Tuesday in a double-header, first against Brentford B behind closed doors, before traveling to Toorquay United that evening.

“It’s going to be a mix of teams,” he said. “We’ll look at what we need to work on, partnerships to work on, but both games will be a real test and then we’ll go into Eastleigh ready.”

Before the game, it was announced that City had signed goalkeeper Frankie Phillips on a one-year deal. The 18-year-old, whose father Steve Phillips made more than 400 appearances for Bristol Rovers and Bristol City, began his career in Liverpool’s academy before moving to Southampton, where he played until he was 16. Since then, the stopper has played locally for Willand Rovers. , Bristol Manor Farm, Paulton Rovers. He is expected to go out on loan to a club at that level.

Goalkeeping coach Kevin Miller said: “I was texted in the summer and asked if Frankie could come on trial. He’s Steve Phillips’ boy, he’s from good stock, so he came in a week into pre-season and did brilliantly at 18, getting his socks on.

“Our plan is to develop Frankie as he looks to earn another contract at the end of this one. Les will go into it because physically he’s 6-foot-2, but we think if we can get his core and back right, he’ll be an inch taller.”

Phillips added: “I’m absolutely delighted, I originally came here for a week’s trial which was then extended, now I’m delighted to sign and get going.

“I’m here to get more experience, I’ve come from a men’s football season last year and now I’m looking to hit the ground running, see how well I can do and hopefully get closer to the first team.”

Exeter City: Joe Whitworth, Ilmari Niskanen (Tom Dean), Pierce Sweeney (Ed James), Jack Fitzwater (Cheick Diabate), Ben Purrington (Johnly Yfeko), Vincent Harper (Yanic Wildschut), Jack McMillan (Ryan Woods), Jake Richards (Charlie Cummins), Ed Francis (Pedro Borges), Jack Aitchison (Caleb Watts), Millenic Alli (Josh Magennis)