Exeter Manager Caldwell Reflects on ‘Lucky’ FA Cup Victory

Gary Caldwell, manager of Exeter City, stated that his team “rode their luck” during their FA Cup first round victory over Barnet on Saturday. Playing at St James Park, The Grecians found themselves behind twice against the National League opponents before securing a 5-3 win in the first round tie with three goals scored late in the match. This match marked the highest number of goals Exeter had allowed in a single game this season, and it signified Caldwell’s squad advancing in the FA Cup for the first time in two years. Speaking to BBC Radio Devon, Caldwell remarked, “It was a fantastic game of football, for the neutral it was a proper cup tie.” He continued, “I think all the credit has to go to Barnet, I thought they were outstanding today, they showed how good teams are in the National League. We rode our luck at times, I think in the end it was a bit of a gun fight and we had more ammunition than they did.” Exeter City’s achievement of scoring five goals in a single game had not occurred since their 5-0 victory over Accrington in March 2023. Northern Ireland international striker Josh Magennis maintained his strong performance, netting a hat-trick during the game. This brought the 34-year-old’s total to five goals across five appearances for both club and country, a notable contrast to the 10 goalless games with which he commenced his City career. Caldwell commented on his summer acquisition, stating, “He looked ready for the game and that’s what he’s been all season. He’s been a man really, his experience and his attitude rubs off on others and he led the line fantastically well.” Caldwell further noted the significant impact made by the substitutes, referred to as “finishers,” including Jay Bird, Demi Mitchell, Kami Doyle, Ed Francis, and even Fitzy (Jack Fitzwater) late in the game, remarking on the latter: “when you need a sub to come on and within seconds he’s got his gear on, he’s ready.” He emphasized the necessity of this collective effort, adding, “That’s what we need. We need everyone buying into it to try to contribute to three competitions this year.” Caldwell concluded by stating, “We’re going to need all the squad, and today the five finishers and Josh Magennis were were the difference and got us over the line.” This hat-trick was Josh Magennis’s first since he scored one for Wigan in the EFL Trophy 14 months prior.