No complaints from Taylor after Exeter crash out of FA Cup

Posted Wednesday, December 11, 2019 by PA

Exeter boss Matt Taylor had no complaints as his side were dumped out of the FA Cup.

National League Hartlepool United secured a deserved 1-0 replay win at Victoria Park, the only goal coming in extra time.

The teams drew 2-2 at St James’ Park 10 days ago, Pools coming back from 2-0 down.

And Taylor, after seeing Josh Hawkes strike a spectacular extra-time winner with 93 minutes gone, admitted: “It’s a disappointment, full credit to Hartlepool.

“Tonight they came out on top in too many occasions, too many for us to get something.

“We didn’t work their goalkeeper enough and they scored a quality goal. The first game 2-0 up at home was the missed opportunity.

“It’s been a bruising 120 minutes for us. Two teams going at it all game, all night and sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say Hartlepool deserved it.”

Pools boss Dave Challinor was beaming after his side’s hard-fought victory.

He said: “I’m proud of the boys. It’s massive for the club to win and good for myself as a manager it’s the first time in the third round.

“Tonight was a good night, one we can hopefully replicate over the course of the near future.”