The long wait for a taste of football action came to an end for Exeter City supporters on Friday night, as the Grecians opened their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 victory at Tiverton Town.

On a night when City manager Gary Caldwell fielded two separate XIs for each half, the only goal came from trialist Julien Dacosta, who met a deep cross on the stroke of half-time to steer home the winner.

Caldwell said: “It was a good exercise for us against strong opposition in Tiverton, who made it hard for us. It was great to have so many supporters here and a really good work-out. Hopefully, the big crowd is helpful to the finances of Tiverton Town because it’s really important we all support local clubs.

“Tiverton were a tough opposition for us and our trialists on the night did really well. The attitude has been first class from everybody.”