Richie Barker issues Derby County verdict after big Exeter City win

Derby County’s Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (left) celebrates scoring their side’s second goal of the game with team-mate Max Bird during the Sky Bet League One match at St James Park, Exeter.

Richie Barker praised Derby County for the “excellent” way they stuck to the game plan as they coasted to victory against Exeter City.

The Rams ran out 3-0 winners over Gary Caldwell’s side having opened the scoring before half-time through a wonderful strike from Max Bird. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing made it 2-0 after the break with a clinical finish before substitute Tom Barkhuizen capped off a convincing display with a sharp strike from just inside the box.

And reflecting on the win, which was Derby’s 11th on the road this season, assistant head coach Barker said: “Without stating the obvious, it would have been a long way to come to take nothing home.

“But I am pleased for the fans because of the journey and we were pleased with a clean sheet away from home. It doesn’t do the goal difference any harm either. But what was impressive was the ability to stick to the game plan particularly out of possession.

“Exeter are a young team who move the ball about really well so we had to be very patient. Like I say, there are some games you can dominate possession and there are others when you have to sacrifice it. The game plan was vital and given we only had one day to work on it, that was excellent.”

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