Ferguson predicts Exeter revival

Exeter 0-2 Man Utd

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he hoped Exeter's displays in the FA Cup against his side would propel them back into the League.

After United's 2-0 replay win, Ferguson said: "These games have been absolutely fantastic for Exeter and for football.

"I was listening to the radio this morning and all the talk was about Exeter City. It is brilliant for them.

"It was a big drop when they went out of the Football League but maybe these games can help lift them up again."

He added: "There is no point saying we were brilliant or anything like that.

"We missed too many chances. We could have won by more and at 1-0 they always felt they had a chance.

After the early goal you might have feared the worst but we were solid and kept going Alex Inglethorpe

"We all watched the Liverpool game on Tuesday night and that was a reminder to everyone of what can happen in cup football. I guess this was another one.

"At least we have a home tie now against Middlesbrough. We have some important games before that but overall we are happy with the tie."

Exeter boss Alex Inglethorpe declared himself delighted with his players after they bowed out of the tournament.

He said: "I'm very proud of the team, after the early goal you might have feared the worst but we were solid and kept going which was very important.

"We took some risks towards the end because it's a one-off game - you may as well lose 2-0 as 1-0 in the end.

"We didn't have many chances so those we did have it was important to take, but Sean Devine will score plenty more for us this season.

"I think the price of keeper Paul Jones may have risen after tonight. This experience will have taught him a lot as it did everyone at the club."

But Inglethorpe said he feared his team's FA Cup will take their toll on their form in the Conference.

"Mentally and physically the players have put a lot of effort in," he said.

"A lot of energy has been taken and I am not in the situation where I can rotate my squad.

"It will be roughly the same players who play against Barnet and realistically it is going to be hard for them to recover."