Local Sport

Win and a loss leave City on edge

ECFC players and fans alike are gearing up for the annual end of season purgatory as a play-off place hovers just out of reach.

A rare away win at the weekend – 2-1 at Altrincham - was followed up by a 3-2 defeat at Aldershot last night, leaving ECFC languishing in sixth position and just below the play-off places.

To further compound matters, during the defeat 'keeper Paul Jones was sent off for a professional foul which will result in a suspension, and winger Lee Elam was subbed early in the second half carrying a knee injury.

With just five matches left to play, it looks like another nail-biting finish is in store, throwing up memories of the anarchy at the end of the 2003/4 Season when after nervy 3-2 home victory over Accrington Stanley, fans were told over the tannoy that rivals Aldershot had lost and a play-off position had been achieved – sparking raptures in the stands. Sadly, however, joy turned to despair as the announcement was followed five minutes later by another announcement stating that Aldershot had not lost, and that ECFC would be condemned to another season in the Conference.

Exeter City technicians have advised they are to update their telecommunications system this year to avoid this type of confusion, by putting the carrier pigeons through a strict training regime.