It never matters how much you prepare, how well pre-season appears to have gone, you never know what will materialise until competitive football properly starts.

The intensity, pressure and excitement raise by a million notches and you trust the players to respond. In that context, Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell will be absolutely thrilled with the display of his players at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

The Grecians had to contend with strong winds and a notoriously tough opponent on their own patch, but they were handed a dream start with two goals in the opening four minutes at a shocked Adams Park.

It took less than 30 seconds for Jack Aitchison to score the opener for City and a perfect debut for the man signed from Motherwell. Three minutes later, captain Will Aimson doubled the lead when he forced the ball home from a corner.

Incredibly, it could have been 3-0 ten minutes. Max Stryjek hauled down Demetri Mitchell in the area for a clear penalty but, in fairness to the beleaguered home ‘keeper, he recovered his composure to save Sam Nombe’s spot-kick.

Despite that minor setback, the Grecians always looked in complete control and victory was complete when substitute James Scott found the net seven minutes from time for a perfect opening to the Sky Bet League One campaign.

Caldwell told the ECFC website: "How hungry we looked and how sharp we looked was incredible.

"It was a perfect result. I think the first 15-minute period won us the game and we could have scored more. We were outstanding. Sometimes you worry when you score so early that it can spook you a little because the goals feel like they come so easy, but we controlled it.

"We defended extremely well and always looked threatening on the counter. We knew these players had potential. I said to them that I'm delighted with so many aspects of today, but we still have a long way to go to be the team we want to be.

"What that result does for confidence and belief was brilliant."

After a midweek cup clash with Crawley Town, the Grecians welcome Blackpool to St James Park on Saturday. The Tangerines opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Burton Albion.