Tisdale grounded after Grecians win

Goals from home-grown trio Liam Sercombe, Tom Nichols and Matt Grimes helped them to another three points which took them to the fringe of the play-offs.

The Grecians have now lost just once in 13 league games but Tisdale knows there is a long way to go.

"We are not even half way through the season yet so it's one step at a time," said the Exeter boss.

"But we are pleased. We are going into every game thinking we have a chance, and that's not arrogance, we just are in a good run of form and are scoring goals.

"This league is very tight and things can turn in an instance so we just have to try and keep our run going and our minds focused.

"It was an enjoyable game to watch against Accrington, although they will be frustrated they didn't get something out of it as they showed great spirit.

"Liam Sercombe's side-foot finish was sublime for the first goal and then the next four, theirs included, were all from distance - it's rare you see four goals like that in one game.

"It was a really good match."

Sercombe volleyed home his first goal of the season just before the break when he was on the end of a Craig Woodman cross.

It was two in the 49th minute when another Exeter youth product Nichols scored a solo goal from 20 yards to find the top corner of the net.

Stanley were back in it with 65 minutes on the clock with a John O'Sullivan wonder strike, as he rifled home from 25 yards.

However Exeter went 3-1 up just four minutes later when Matt Grimes belted home a free-kick from 30 yards out.

But, in a breathless second half, it was game on again when Stanley substitute Shay McCartan fired low into the bottom of the net. Stanley hunted for a late leveller but Exeter held on for a valuable win.

John Coleman was left bemoaning his side's lack of finishing power as they ended their run of four successive wins at home.

"We weren't ruthless enough," said the Stanley boss. "They are a good side but we didn't press them enough. We created enough chances but they have scored with three of their first four shots.

"We lacked conviction in front of goal and we are looking to score the perfect goal and it's not happening.

"They were more ruthless than us and that's something we have to work on.

"They are our rivals for the play-offs and, with the chances we had, we should be winning games like that. Saying that, we will play worse than that and win. It was one of those nights for us although, for a neutral, I am sure it was a smashing game."