Local Sport

How to make enemies and irritate people

ECFC strolled to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Oxford United last night with a rare brace from reserve striker Adam Stansfield, but the match was more conspicuous for the absence of want-away striker Judas Mackie.

Exeter City have already turned down two offers for Mackie from Devon rivals Plymouth Argyle, with City's higher valuation of the December Player of the Month making it seem unlikely a deal would be done. But shortly before the FA Trophy exit at Rushden & Diamonds last week, Mackie shocked the club by handing in a transfer request and stating publicly he wanted to leave.

It now appears highly likely that Mackie will join Argyle before the January transfer window closes for a fee well under the figure ECFC would have liked, thus ensuring Judas Mackie's place as the most unpopular person in Exeter since 16th century seafarer Francis Ponsonby returned from his voyages showering the local ladies with the exotic bounty of herpes and anal warts.