The Mariners begin their 2026/27 Sky Bet League Two campaign at Blundell Park on Saturday, with Exeter City providing the opposition in Town’s first league fixture of the new season.
David Artell’s side will be looking to make a positive start to the campaign in front of what is expected to be another bumper crowd at the home of the Mariners.
The Opposition
Founded in 1901, Exeter City – known as the Grecians – arrive in Cleethorpes under the management of Matt Taylor, who is now in his second spell in charge at St James’ Park.
Exeter finished 21st in League One last season and were relegated to the fourth tier, having previously enjoyed promotion from League Two under Taylor in 2022/23.
Taylor has a long association with the Grecians. He joined the club as a player from Bath in 2007 and went on to make 162 appearances, scoring 20 goals, while also serving as club captain.
After spells with Charlton Athletic, Cheltenham Town, Bradford City, Colchester United and Newport County, Taylor returned to Exeter in a coaching capacity and later became manager.
He led the club to promotion in 2022/23 before subsequently managing Rotherham United and Bristol Rovers. He returned to Exeter on a short-term deal in March before being appointed permanently ahead of the new campaign.
Head-to-head
Saturday’s meeting will be the 41st between the two clubs, with Exeter holding a narrow advantage in the overall record.
The Grecians have won 16 of the previous 40 meetings, compared with 15 victories for Town, while the remaining nine encounters have ended level.
The first meeting came on 12th February 1921, when the sides played out a 1-1 draw in Division Three South. Town claimed their first victory just a week later, winning 2-0 in the reverse fixture.
Exeter have won the last three meetings, including their previous two visits to Blundell Park.
The most recent meeting on the Lincolnshire coast came behind closed doors in December 2020, with Exeter running out 4-1 winners. Ryan Bowman opened the scoring before Luke Hendrie equalised, but Randell Williams struck twice before Matt Jay completed the scoring.
Town’s last victory over the Grecians came in one of the most memorable meetings between the sides.
In May 1991, John Cockerill scored twice in the first half at St James’ Park to secure a 2-1 victory and confirm Town’s automatic promotion into the Second Division. Mark Cooper’s goal proved only a consolation for the hosts.
Cockerill will be back at Blundell Park on Saturday as the Club’s special guest in McMenemy’s.
Ones to watch
Charlie Cummins
Irish midfielder Charlie Cummins joined Exeter in January 2024 from Cobh Ramblers, having first joined the League of Ireland club as a 15-year-old.
After making his senior debut in 2023, Cummins initially headed out on loan to Mousehole, before further spells with Poole Town, Taunton Town and Tiverton Town.
Last season he featured 16 times for Weston-super-Mare, scoring twice, and also made an appearance at Blundell Park in the FA Cup fourth round.
His progress impressed Exeter manager Matt Taylor, who praised the youngster’s potential in April before his contract was extended.
Harry Kite
A product of the Exeter academy, Harry Kite made his first-team debut against Yeovil Town in the EFL Trophy in August 2017.
His first senior goal arrived three years later in the same competition against Swindon Town, while he played an important role in Exeter’s promotion from League Two in 2021/22.
Kite was also named the division’s Goal of the Month winner in August 2022 after a superb volley against Port Vale.
Following loan spells with Dorchester Town and Yeovil Town, Kite left Exeter permanently in 2024, joining Yeovil before moving to Truro City.
He returned to St James’ Park in August on a one-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months, and brings energy, experience and a wide range of passing to the Grecians’ midfield.
The challenge ahead
With both sides beginning a new League Two campaign, Saturday presents the first opportunity for Town to lay down a marker in front of their home supporters.
The Mariners will be looking to build on the foundations of last season, while Exeter will be aiming to begin their return to the fourth tier with a positive result.
With the points up for grabs and a packed Blundell Park expected, the stage is set for the first league fixture of the new campaign.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
UTM
