WEMBLEY 2020: Exeter boss Taylor believes Cobblers 'don't get enough credit'

Exeter City manager Matt Taylor believes the Cobblers aren't given 'enough credit for what a good footballing team they are' ahead of Monday's League Two play-off final at Wembley.

The Grecians, who finished fifth in the regular season, launched a comeback of their own during the semi-finals following a 1-0 defeat to Colchester United in the first leg.

Aaron Martin and Jayden Richardson struck at St James Park before Ryan Bowman won it in extra-time, setting up a date with the Cobblers at Wembley on Monday.

Taylor was impressed by what he saw from Northampton during their semi-final fightback against Cheltenham Town, and he thinks Keith Curle's men deserve more credit for the way in which they play.

"I think they're a really good team and anybody who has watched both legs would have known what was to come," said Taylor.

"We watched it from afar and I felt sorry for Cheltenham, but there was no stopping Northampton. It was a vicious cycle of relentless energy and endeavour but also I don't think people give them enough credit for what a good footballing team they are. They've got some fantastic players.

"We had one really good game against them from our point of view earlier in the season and then we got run over a little bit at their place in the second match.

"We've got to make sure that doesn't happen again, but I hope it's a game that reflects well on League Two in terms of two good groups of players."

Taylor also revealed he has a couple of fitness worries ahead of the final, although former Cobbler Lee Martin should be available again.

"We've got a couple of concerns and there are a few sore bodies and muscles after Monday, Nicky Law being the main one with his groin issue," he added.

"But the lads played 90 minutes and then 120 minutes so it was a huge slog and we just hope that wasn't our biggest moment, either emotionally or physically, because they've got to save their best performance for Monday."