DEAL COMPLETED: Exeter City in total control as they cruise into FA Cup third round As They Signed An Incredible Midfielder From Sunderland

“We were in total control of the game, and it wasn’t ever in any real doubt. We created chances and the only disappointing thing from the day was that we didn’t score more goals.”

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell was delighted with the performance of his team as they cruised into the third round of the FA Cup. The Grecians were totally dominant and goals either side of half time saw them progress in routine style with a 2-0 win over League Two Chesterfield.

Chances were flowing for City at St James Park but it took until the stroke of half-time before they went in front through Tristan Crama’s back-post header as the defender was left unmarked from a corner. Josh Magennis sealed the win midway through the second half when the striker tapped home from close range.

Chesterfield, whose 500 travelling fans gave Caldwell, who used to manage them, plenty of stick, rallied, but it was too little, too late. The Grecians had chances to extend the lead further, but the 2-0 win was enough to deservedly reach round three for the first time in four seasons.

“The win was down to the players and the way that we performed right from the start of the game,” Caldwell said. “We took control from the start, caused them problems in wide areas, and could have scored more goals, the one area we can improve.

“We were in total control of the game, and it wasn’t ever in any real doubt. We created chances and the only disappointing thing from the day was that we didn’t score more goals. We had opportunities to score more goals, but the good thing was that we played through the thirds better, we created more opportunities and if we continue to do that, then we will score goals.

“I am delighted with the team and the attitude of the players. Cup ties against lower-league teams are never easy, but we were spot on today, had a real mentality to win, so I am delighted with everyone and we are in the next round of the cup which is what we wanted.”

Following the 2-0 defeat at home to Birmingham City on Tuesday night, Caldwell made two changes to the Exeter City side. A fit-again Millenic Alli returned up front in place of Jay Bird, while the other change saw 17-year-old Jake Richards come into the midfield for his first appearance outside of the EFL Trophy this season, in place of Vincent Harper.

The Grecians had the first chance with three minutes on the clock. Ryan Woods picked out Ilmari Niskanen, he squared it to Aitchison, but the Scot’s effort from the edge of the area was well kept out by Max Thompson with a strong hand.