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As the curtain comes down on an eventful 2014 for Exeter City it gives me the chance to look back and see how the club has progressed in the last 12 months. Well, believe it or not, this time last year City were going into their Boxing Day match with Cheltenham Town only five points worse off than where they are now. Some would argue that means the club have not progressed much at all. However, it is not stats but details that help create the bigger picture. Are City likely to have a season similar to the one they suffered last campaign when they only narrowly avoided relegation? Of course not. When you look back to Boxing Day 2013, the opponents and points total are roughly the same, but everything else is different. The mood amongst supporters this time last season would have been a lot more bleak. This was because City went into the festive period in 2014 on the back of one win in their last 10 League Two matches. Fast forward 12 months and the form is the exact opposite – City have only been beaten once in their last 10 league games and that came thanks to a rather fortunate win for Stevenage on Saturday. In 2014, City won just five of 23 games between January and May to flirt rather dangerously with the relegation places. However, this season I think it is more realistic to think City will threaten the top two than the bottom two – and here is why. Last season City had no strength in depth. They lost Alan Gow to Bristol Rovers in early January and had senior pros under performing. This season, City have competition for places. They are bringing in players rather than letting them go. Ryan Harley, David Noble, Clinton Morrison and Alex Nicholls are all great additions to the squad to add to the excellent summer signings of Christian Ribeiro and Graham Cummins. I do realise that there is a likelihood that Matt Grimes might leave in the new year. However, that should leave them able to tie down Harley, Noble, Morrison and Nicholls to permanent deals and still have some money to strengthen the side elsewhere if needed. City aren't going to struggle in the second-half of the campaign because of their squad size. It should be big enough to compete in League Two even if they are hit with a few injuries here and there. Added to that, when you look at the senior players in the squad this campaign – Matt Oakley and Danny Butterfield – then they are the top performers. Last season, some of the senior players – John O'Flynn, Sam Parkin and Danny Coles – were being questioned for letting the side down. This season it is the exact opposite. The older players are leading by example and doing a fine job. Then we get onto the home form. That was still a problem this time last year. However, on the back of one defeat in seven at St James's Park currently, it certainly isn't a concern going into 2015. So when it gets round to Friday's game, the opponent and City's place in the league table might resemble Boxing Day 2013 but, rest assured, the mood amongst fans will be a lot more jolly and optimistic that it was last year.

CITY OPINION: Exeter City in a much better place this Boxing Day than last

Five reason to buy this week's Echo, published on Tuesday, December 23: 1: News – What would you do with £3m? A lottery woman from Exeter has her own ideas. Find out how 'Mad Friday' went in the city, and there's a full backgrounder on the developments in the case of Thomas Orchard, who died after being held in police custody in Exeter 2: Sport – Full reaction and reviews from the Chiefs and Grecians, plus a round-up of all the local sport 3: Echo2 - Christmas what's on from across the region on our entertainment pull-out 4: Nativity supplement – don't miss this special pull-out featuring all the nativity performances at schools across Exeter and beyond 5: Opinions – letters, columnists and opinion-formers, if the debate is going on in Exeter it's being discussed here

Five reasons to buy tomorrow's special Tuesday Echo

POLICE have issued a warning to city pubs after the landlords of two popular venues in Exeter had their licences revoked. The Locomotive Inn in New North Road and the Wells Tavern in Well Street were both targeted by officers in an undercover sting. Evidence of drug dealing and handling stolen goods were discovered, Exeter City Council's licensing committee hearing heard. It decided last week the two landlords should lose their licence. Both have 21 days to appeal. If there is no appeal, the pubs have to close for a minimum of 14 days and re-open under a new name and new licensees. The Wells Tavern, which is run by Punch Taverns, will reopen under new management. The future of the Locomotive, which is run by Heavitree Breweries, remains unclear. But its owners have confirmed it will be open as normal over Christmas and the new year. Detective Sergeant Michael Cortese told the hearing the grounds for the review were that "the premises are being used for the handling of stolen property and supply of drugs." He said a covert operation was run and the committee were told that undercover police officers were offered for sale items of clothing, food and hardware goods that were said to be 'stolen' for sale. Evidence presented to the committee about the Wells Tavern was that between July 22 and August 19, the sale of one pair of jeans, four large blocks of cheese and five sales of cannabis were made on or just outside the premises in the beer garden. Allegations made in respect of the Locomotive Inn were that between July 8 and August 12, the sale of eight items of clothing, at least six items of various meat products, two bottles of whisky, one item of hardware and four sales of cannabis were made on or just outside the premises in the beer garden. DS Cortese said: "Given that in 2014 there has been significant rise in acquisitive crime in Exeter, it is clear the running of (both) premises is contravening the crime and disorder objective in a serious manner." Supt Keith Perkin, local policing commander for Exeter, East & Mid Devon, said the cases should act as a strong warning to the licensing industry. He said: "The licensing industry plays a key part in retaining Exeter as a safe and welcoming city. "Last week's licensing hearings were instigated through evidence of poor management of a small number of licensed premises. "The police are committed to working with the licensing trade to provide support when required. However, when we need to help those residents suffering from unruly behaviour and nuisance, or other businesses affected by problem premises, last week's outcomes should be a salutary warning that we will not hesitate to positive action."This could be through licensing laws as demonstrated last week, or new anti social behaviour legislation which has already been used to good effect in the recent closure of a legal high shop." Graham Crocker, chairman of Heavitree Brewery, which owns the Locomotive Inn, said: "The decision takes 21 days to come into effect while the licensee can consider an appeal. At the moment we don't know what will happen. We fully intend to stay as a pub and the premises is open as usual." A spokesman for Punch Taverns said: "We can confirm that we are actively seeking to recruit new licensees in conjunction with a full refurbishment, new name and new direction." The licensee of the Cheers off-licence in Cowick Street also had his licence revoked due to allegations of "handling stolen goods" at the property.

Police issue warning to Exeter pubs after landlords stripped of licences in undercover sting

Danielle Dyson, 31, of Farm Hill, Exeter, was banned from driving after admitting a charge of drink-driving. On October 24 she drove a silver Peugeot 206 on a main road in Pinhoe after consuming enough alcohol, namely 48 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath, to exceed the prescribed limit. Ms Dyson was disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for 14 months, reduced by 14 weeks subject to the completion of a course. She was also fined £130. Rebecca Tucker, 30, admitted stealing fragrance to the value of £111.05, belonging to John Lewis. She was fined £15. Matthew Kincaid, 44, of Halscombe Lane, Ide, Exeter, was found guilty of driving without due care and attention in the city including Exe Bridges. On June 5 he drove a Vauxhall Movano at speeds up to 65mph in a 30mph restricted zone, accelerated through a red light and mounted a pavement. He was fined £791 and given six penalty points on his licence. Charlene Belsten, 28, of Birchwood Road, Exmouth, was given a community order after admitting a charge of drink-driving. On November 1 she drove a Vauxhall Corsa on Exeter Road after consuming enough alcohol, namely 107 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath, to exceed the prescribed limit. Ms Belsten was given a community order to be under curfew for three months until February 17. It meant she must remain at her home between 7pm and 7am daily, and it was to be monitored electronically. Ms Belsten was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 23 months, reduced by 23 weeks, subject to the completion of a course. She was also fined £110. Judith Butterfield, 61, of Pale Gate Close, Honiton, was banned from driving after admitting a charge of drink-driving. On October 29 she drove a Chevrolet Spark on Honiton High Street after consuming enough alcohol, namely 99 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath to exceed the prescribed limit. Mrs Butterfield was disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for 23 months, reduced by 23 weeks subject to the completion of a course. She was also fined £360. Nicholas Jeffries, 51, of Lancelot Road, Exeter, was fined £39.94 after admitting two offences of theft. On November 1 he stole seven steaks, to the value of £79.04, belonging to Waitrose in Exeter. On November 1 he also stole six bottles of wine, to the value of £29.94, belonging to Waitrose, Exeter. Alexander Smith, 20, of Nelson House, Exmouth, was sent to a young offender institution after committing a number of offences. On August 17 he damaged a Citreon Picasso, to the value of £75, from a man in Exmouth. He was committed to detention in a young offender institution for four weeks. That was because it was the second breach of a suspended sentence, it was committed while under the influence of alcohol, and in light of the defendant's record for similar offences and breaches of court orders. He was given a sentence of eight weeks' detention suspended for 18 months. He was also fined £80. Patrick Johnson, 53, of The Firs, Rockbeare, Exeter, was given a suspended prison sentence after committing three driving-related offences. On November 2, he refused to provide a specimen of breath for analysis. On November 1, he refused to give personal details when requested as the driver of a Toyota Avensis in Exeter. On November 1, he failed to stop at the scene of an accident in Talaton, Devon, as a car driver. Mr Johnson was given an eight week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. The offence was deemed "so serious" because it was a "willful refusal" to provide information, in light of the defendant's record, and his standard of driving. He was also told to undertake 60 hours of community work over the next 12 months. Mr Johnson was disqualified from driving for 36 months, reduced by 36 weeks, subject to the completion of a course. He was also fined £165. Darren Travers, 23, of Hillpond Caravan Park, Exeter, was given a suspended prison sentence after committing three offences. Two of them related to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in Exeter on July 1. He committed a third offence for breaching a conditional discharge for an offence of possession of cannabis. He was also fined £165. Muhammet Akbulut, 31, of Blackboy Road, Exeter, was banned from driving after failing to give information about a vehicle driver. On March 12 he did not provide the information about the driver of a Volkswagen Passat who was allegedly guilty of an offence. Mr Akbulut was disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for six months due to repeat offending. He was fined £525. Katie Jones, 26, of Bonhay Road, Exeter, failed to comply with the requirements of a community order. She did not attend appointments as directed by a supervising officer, nor did she keep in touch with the officer. Ms Jones was given a curfew, to be monitored electronically, meaning she had to remain at her home for two weeks between 8pm and 8am until December 2. Charlotte Coffey, 29, of St David's Hill, Exeter, was given a suspended prison sentence after committing several offences of theft. On August 14, she stole two perfumes, to the value of £82.50, belonging to Debenhams. On August 4, she stole two bottles of wine, to the value of £10, belonging to Tesco. On September 4, she stole two jars of coffee, to the value of £7.98, belonging to Poundstretcher. On April 29, she stole a loaf of bread and a case of lager, of an unknown value, belonging to Co-op. On October 22, she failed to surrender to custody at Exeter Magistrates' Court, having been released on bail. She also committed further offences. Ms Coffey was committed to prison for four weeks, suspended for six months. The offences were deemed "so serious" because they were a "spate of planned offences" and in light of her previous convictions.

In Court: Cases heard at Central Devon Magistrates' Court

It's a boy! I can't think of a better way to open this week's pre-Christmas missive than by announcing to the world that we three are now four. Yes, the lovely Hayley battled through an exhausting 41-hour labour to gift us with a bony bouncing baby boy. Our first son Sullivan bowed in on Wednesday to the delight of friends and family, especially big sister baby Bea. Maybe I should rename her baby A. After all she was first. Both Hayley and our new son are doing well; hats off to Hayley who was a real warrior throughout. Just when I thought life couldn't get any better, last week I was knocked off my euphoric cloud when the Chiefs went down with an 18-11 reversal at Sale. There's a lot I could say about this game in rain-drenched Manchester. Those who say "it always rains in Manchester" were certainly on the money last Friday night. Rain, our Chiefs played the first half in near monsoon conditions, with water lashing down in veritable stair rods. The wind too whistled and swirled around a very inclement – and rather empty – AJ Bell Stadium, making life real tough for our lads. As if the weather was not enough to contend with, referee Wayne Barnes conjured up not one, but two yellow cards in quick succession, reducing the Chiefs to just 13 men. I suppose I could harp on about how well Chiefs battled when outnumbered by two, in the event they did handle the handicap well, but that was not the story of this game. Chiefs were okay and did well to battle back to claim a losing bonus point, but in reality we were beaten by a competent Sale who got the simple things right to out-muscle us and grind out their win. For the record, Steve Diamond's Manchester men are hard to beat on their own turf – indeed that lot from the Recreation Ground are the only side to have taken a win away from Sale at home. It looked to be a lost cause for our lads, with even a bonus point seeming out of our reach, but never write off the Exeter Chiefs when there's still time on the clock. In typical Chiefs fashion the lads went up a gear and took the game right back at Sale. At last, with just 10 minutes or so remaining, we started to get into the game to actually play some attacking rugby. Our own force of nature Thomas the Tank was at the heart of a Chiefs power play to score out wide, reducing the lead to seven with still precious minutes on the clock. What appeared an unlikely win was beginning to look possible as Steeno stepped up to take a difficult conversion, on a difficult night. Both sets of fans fell silent and held their breath as Gareth hit the ball perfectly, sending it on a flight line to dissect the uprights, only for a massive gust of wind to hold the ball up and parachute it short of the target. It just about summed up the Chiefs' Friday night in Manchester. We did okay, but never really got into this one with any front-foot rugby. Fair play to Sale, they stifled any effort we made as they bludgeoned on to grind out the final minutes to take the win. Hey ho, it's Christmas, look on the bright side, we managed a losing bonus point and, as commander Rob put it: "Premiership rugby points are hard to come by. Sometimes you have to settle for a losing bonus that just might be important come the end of the season." Moving on, I see some Premiership fat cats are challenging the salary cap. Let me state my position on this one by posing the question 'is Wayne Rooney worth his £300,000 a week?' That's over a million pounds every month for kicking a bag of wind about a football field! In my view it's an obscenity. Many Premiership soccer counterparts are fine athletes, but let's get real and keep rugby's feet on the ground. It's about the sport and not the designer hair cut and Ferrari in the car park. Support a reasonable salary cap before the agents and prima-donnas muscle in to inflate player costs to unrealistic and unsustainable levels. At nearly £5m per year, the budget provides over £90,000 a week for a club to fund player salaries, it doesn't grow on trees and has to come from somewhere. Enough for now on this one. Moving on, I would like to take this opportunity to belatedly congratulate Matt Jess, Will Chudley and Don Armand on their contract extensions. The continuity that the squad now enjoys certainly underpins a lot of what makes the Chiefs so special and to see the stalwart Jessy along with two young-uns commit for some time is a great fillip at this time of year. Finally, I rounded off a big week in my life by running out onto the field of play with my teammates in Exmouth. We went 7-0 down in the first three minutes against Barnstaple but managed to power them out of the game with the Mighty Muff Mighty Maul. The Barum Boys had no answer and Exmouth ran out 28-17 winners. Having not slept in three days, yours truly was blowing feathers when I trudged off the field to meet the Lovely Hayley, big girl B, now all of three years, and my new three-day-old son Sullivan. It was a good feeling. Cradling Sully in my aching arms, I walked my boy onto the field for the first time, with Bea holding my hand. It was another good moment in a magical week for me and my family. As the ancient quotation puts it, this is the season for peace on Earth to men of goodwill. I'm certainly full of good will and trust you are too. My very best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful Christmas. Until the next time, enjoy the holiday and stay safe.

Chris Bentley: It was a great week in the Bentley household!

The big day is almost here. The one people have been looking forward to for some time. The one that really matters – Bath away. Rob Baxter says it's possibly the toughest away match this season given Bath's form and home record. For me it's taken on significance far beyond that, with years of defeats with both personal and professional sports-watching hats on. My upbringing included witnessing defeat after defeat for Bristol against their nearest and dearest before the run finally came to an end. The Chiefs have taken up that mantle, with a record of one draw and seven defeats in their eight league games against Bath. Yes, they have beaten the men from The Rec twice this year, but both were in the LV= Cup and a success in the Premiership would mean so much more. The importance of games between the two sides has increased with time, with every defeat meaning the desire to win the next match gets more and more. When Exeter first made it into the top flight there was a great discussion on the Echo sports desk over whether we could describe a match against Bath as a derby. Dictionaries were perused for the actual definition as we debated whether a match against the closest team geographically was enough to make the term usable. The description conjures up thoughts of grudge matches, with years of rivalry coming to the fore. Exeter and Bath had none of that. Four years on and I think it's safe to say without doubt this is a derby. Yes Bath fans may take more pleasure in beating Gloucester – and Bristol when they're in the same league again – than the Chiefs, but the matches in recent years have created a history around the fixture. And until Exeter have become used to beating Bath in the league – they have won at least twice against every other side in the Premiership – that is only going to get stronger and stronger. Bath go into the latest installment of the derby in great form, with six wins in a row in all competitions. That includes a record win against Gloucester last time out. However, there is also a cloud hanging over The Rec with claims that the club are being investigated over a possible breach of the salary cap regulations. There have long been suspicions about several clubs and how they can assemble the squads they have and stay within the rules. But now Bath and Saracens are reportedly under investigation for spending more than they are permitted. Not so long ago Bath were in talks to try to lure England flanker Steffon Armitage from his contract at Toulon. To do that they must have believed they had plenty of cash left in their playing budget to add him to their ranks, so someone on one side has clearly got their sums very wrong. Hopefully the truth will emerge in due course, but for now we can look forward to another close contest between two of the form sides in the Premiership. Exeter have surprised many with their performances this term. They were not expected to be in the top three at Christmas and in contention in all competitions. They will not be expected to win on Saturday, but to do so would be the perfect way to respond to last week's loss at Sale. And it would also help to build the derby atmosphere ahead of the return fixture at the end of February.

Chiefs opinion: Excitement grows ahead of derby day

It is the time of year when most of us are indulging in an excess of food, drink and merriment. But for those sleeping rough Christmas can be an especially hard time when the weather is grim, the nights are long and everyone else is wrapped-up warmly indoors. And yet there may be a few more smiles on the streets this year thanks to the generosity of Devon residents. Hundreds of items of warm clothing, toiletries and food are being handed-out this week to those living on the streets during the festive season. Resident Jess Andrews, 23, launched the 'Help the Homeless Exeter' campaign, because she wanted to do a 'small thing' to help those in greatest need. She said: "Living on the streets must be incredibly stressful, because of never knowing if you're going to be able to eat or stay warm. I want to take that stress away from the homeless people in Exeter this Christmas." According to the latest official count in October 2013, there are 23 people sleeping on the streets of Exeter – the 11th highest number for any local authority area outside London. Jess, who works at the Telstar Guesthouse on St David's Hill, said she was struck by the plight of the homeless after noticing them apparently being overlooked by shoppers. She said: "I noticed the massive rush of people, and then other people sat on the streets being completely ignored. Nobody said hello to them. It was awful." "So I got a few items together in a bag and gave it to one homeless man. I've never seen someone so grateful for something everyone else would consider so small. He was nearly in tears." Jess was also inspired by a soup kitchen that started at a city church in 2002 after a man's body was found in its porch. She said: "If homeless people are warm, have enough to eat and their hygiene is good, they've got a much better chance of survival. Most of us take all that for granted, but for them it's a matter of life or death." Jess herself almost lived on the streets at age 17 after leaving her childhood home. She said: "Home is such an important and safe place. But anyone can become homeless. Most people are not out on the streets because of drugs or alcohol. It happens because of divorce, unemployment or simply loss of home. " Since she started campaign on December 6 with her friend Ashleigh Bennellick, people have been donating a variety of new and second-hand items to a city collection point. Jess added: "We've got a ridiculous amount of stuff. It's incredible how many people have responded. One lady bought a whole car load of items from her friends and family." Anyone worried about a person who is sleeping rough should contact the Devon and Cornwall Rough Sleepers Line on 0800 151 3441.

'Help the Homeless' campaign to bring Christmas smiles onto Exeter streets

Head coach Rob Baxter thinks the trip to Bath is the toughest in the Aviva Premiership – but feels this weekend is the perfect time for Exeter Chiefs to head to The Rec. The Sandy Park outfit make their shortest journey of the season on Saturday as they face Bath, a match which was sold out weeks ago. Mike Ford's men are enjoying a fine season, sitting second in the league table. With Exeter just one place below their hosts, the game was always going to be significant. However, Friday's 18-11 defeat at Sale means there is more at stake for the Chiefs as they need to bounce back from a display which disappointed Baxter. And the Exeter supremo thinks the frustration of last week's performance will give his players an extra boost this Saturday. "Bath away is probably the hardest fixture this season," he said. "That's a great challenge for us and probably not a bad time to have that on the back of a loss because there's only one way to go – we have to go up there and fly into the game and see what happens. "It's a tough place, not many teams go there and win now, they've established some real quality and it's something I hope we'll get really excited about. "I'm looking forward to it already. That's the best thing about being in the Premiership, you go from game to game and move on. "This is the best we've been at this stage of the season and we should be excited about that. I don't want the players to feel down about Sale, I want them to feel excited about where we are in the Premiership. "We're pretty much at the halfway stage of the season now and we're going fine. We have to concentrate on those good things and not the odd mistake we make." Friday's defeat was only Exeter's fourth in all competitions this season and ended an eight-game winning run – their best in the top flight. They beat the likes of Northampton and Saracens during that time and Baxter wants his players to respond well – just as the Saints did – from the set-back. He said: "I think the players were disappointed with their level of performance – they're an honest bunch of guys and they've worked extremely hard. "As frustrating and disappointing as it is when you lose, sometimes you need to step back and realise this is a group of players who have worked extremely hard for a long part of the season so far and we've had a bit of a slip up. "We've dealt with losses very well in the past, that's what we've got to do again. I'm not going to dwell on it. "This season we've beaten Northampton away and what did they do from that? They've gone on and been very good, it didn't end their season or be a defining moment for them. That's what we've got to do, we've got to move forward." Exeter's players have been given Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off but will train on Boxing Day ahead of the derby the following day. Baxter is not expected to make too many changes from the squad that lost at Sale, when hooker Jack Yeandle returned to action after five weeks out with a back injury. And for the first time in a league match, Baxter will send out a team that know what it is like to beat Bath after winning their last two meetings in the LV= Cup. However, the head coach thinks those triumphs will count for very little this weekend. "Playing well and winning is a great experience to have, but game by game things change and you have to deal with every game as it comes," he said. "This is a fresh game for us. That post-Christmas game is almost a one-off game on its own and that's how I look at it. "It's something we can get stuck into and I want to make sure we can be happy with our level of performance. "Whatever happens, if we walk off the pitch and say we were pretty much at the level we can play at then you can be satisfied."

Rob Baxter: Perfect time for Exeter Chiefs to face Bath

Dean Mumm thinks this is a key part of the season if Exeter Chiefs are going to maintain their challenge for an Aviva Premiership semi-final berth. The Sandy Park outfit will head to Bath on Saturday in third place in the league. That comes after they went down 18-11 at Sale on Friday, their first loss in nine games. With Bath currently second in the standings, Saturday's derby has taken on extra significance. And Mumm knows Exeter need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible if they are going to stay in contention at the top of the table over the coming months. "Historically this Christmas period is where seasons are made and lost," said the 30-year-old. "If we want to stay where we are going to have to step up over a period of time. "This week is an important week for everyone family-wise with Christmas time and enjoying some time away, but also flip things around and we have the opportunity to go up to Bath and play in front of a big crowd and push on in the league." Exeter were 18-6 down going into the closing stages against Sale on Friday before Thomas Waldrom claimed his eighth try of the season to rescue a losing bonus point. Having been second best on the night, and been so far adrift, skipper Mumm was pleased to get the consolation of a bonus point for finishing seven points adrift. However, the Australian was not happy to see his side's eight-game winning streak come to an abrupt halt. Mumm said: "Ultimately we're pleased with the bonus point considering it certainly wasn't one of our better performances. "Sale is not an easy place to go and win so we can be pleased with the bonus point, but not with the result." Exeter made life difficult for themselves as they collected two yellow cards in the first half, with Ben White following Damian Welch to the sin bin. Rob Baxter's side also coughed up a string of penalties to allow Sale to take a firm grip on the match. Mumm said they only had themselves to blame for that. "The reality is they played very well, but we were ill disciplined and paid the price," he said. "We put a lot pressure on ourselves by being ill disciplined at the set-piece."

Dean Mumm targets win at Bath to keep Exeter Chiefs in contention

Alex Nicholls says Exeter City have strong enough characters in their dressing room not to let Saturday's defeat derail their promotion push. City go into Boxing Day's match at home to Cheltenham Town outside the play-off places having seen their nine-match unbeaten run come to an end at Stevenage. However Nicholls, who is on loan at St James's Park until January, says they have plenty of belief in the squad. The 23-year-old striker, who hopes to tie down a permanent contract at City in the next two weeks, says the club are more than capable of putting another good run together – starting this weekend. "We are all disappointed to lose the unbeaten run, but we are looking forward to the next game now," said Nicholls. "We played well at Stevenage, especially when you consider the situation and conditions we were put in, but we will pick ourselves up. "You can't get too down when you lose and you can't get too up when you win. "We haven't got too ahead of ourselves with the unbeaten run that we have been on and I'm sure we won't get too down about the loss either. "I've looked at the table and the result hasn't really damaged us too much in terms of the play-offs. "We have got a strong enough team and strong enough characters to kick on again. "Obviously we hit a bump on Saturday, but we didn't play that badly and I think that is a positive we are looking at. We will go into the next game, like any other, trying to win." One of the reasons for the defeat on Saturday was City's inability to take the chances they created in the first half. The main culprit for that was Nicholls, who rattled the Stevenage crossbar, forced a good save out of Chris Day and put another effort over the top. Nicholls admitted he was left wondering at half-time how he hadn't managed to get on the scoresheet. "It was tough," he said. "My first chance has come back off the bar and on another day that hits the underside of the bar and goes in. "Then their keeper made a good save and after that my chip, I just put a little bit too much on it and it went over."

Alex Nicholls confident Exeter City have the character to push on again

Football and family are my world and this is a special time for both. I don't think I've been this excited since I last scribbled a note to Santa. Amy and I can't wait to spend our first Christmas together in our new home, with baby George. That alone would be enough to put a huge smile on my face so, as you might imagine, the run of form which has transformed us from relegation favourites to play-off contenders is the icing on top of the marzipan. Of course, it was disappointing to lose at Stevenage on Saturday, but I really don't think we did too much wrong and on another day it could easily have been us who took all three points. While the substandard pitch didn't really suit our style of football, we created a few decent chances – in particular the Alex Nicholls effort that came back off the crossbar – and Stevenage were beginning to look like they'd run out of ideas until an unfortunate error presented them with the chance to nick it at the death. No matter, there's a real buzz at the Cat & Fiddle right now and the opportunity to get back on track can't come soon enough. We're know we're more than capable of beating any side in League Two when we're on our game and, that being the case, there's no reason why our first defeat in nine games should prove any more than a small blip. The state of the playing surface at Broadhall Way made me realise what a fantastic job our estates manager Clive Pring, his right-hand man Charlie Woolnough and their team do on the pitch at St James's Park – not to mention those at the training ground. We couldn't wish for a better surface on which to go about our business and this seems an opportune time to say a very big thank you from all of us at the Cat & Fiddle. Myself and Amy took George swimming for the first time last week; he's not quite six months old yet so we weren't quite sure what he would make of it but I'm happy to report he loved it. Like all parents, I don't much mind what he grows up to do as long as he's happy. That said, I'd be thrilled if he turned out to be the next Matt Grimes and, failing that, becoming the city's next Liam Tancock would be a pretty good alternative! As you might have gathered, I'm stoked for our Boxing Day game against Cheltenham. Given our recent run of form and the fact it's almost a local derby, there should be a decent crowd and a lively atmosphere. And while I've got plenty of time for Cheltenham's new manager Paul Buckle, I think it's fair to say not all Grecians fans hold him in the same regard and that could easily ramp it up another notch. Even if Bucks is cast in the role of pantomime villain on Friday, I am sure the St James's Park faithful will give a warm welcome to his No. 2, Rob Edwards, and central defensive colossus Matt Taylor. They are not only proper chaps, but undisputed Grecian greats. Unfortunately, great isn't a word which can be used to describe our record against the Gloucestershire side; someone told me this week they've won nine of the 10 games between us – the other one was a draw – and that in the last five of those games we've only scored one goal. Clearly, they're not the most encouraging of stats but, on the plus side, they do offer plenty of room for improvement! In any case, I'm not one to read too much into things like that, and as long as we perform to the best of our ability I see no reason why we shouldn't get back to winning ways at the earliest opportunity. Just 48 hours after the Cheltenham game, we take on AFC Wimbledon at the Kingsmeadow. That will be the Dons' last game before they entertain five-times European Cup winners Liverpool in the FA Cup the following Monday in a fixture to be shown live on the BBC, and it would be nice to think Neal Ardley's players might have half an eye on that. Then again, if I was in their position I'd be busting a gut to perform to the very best of my ability and make sure I didn't give my manager any possible reason to contemplate dropping me for the next game, so it can work both ways. It only remains for me to wish Grecians supporters far and wide a very merry Christmas and a happy new year on behalf of myself and everyone else at the club. Fingers crossed we can provide you with a little bit of festive cheer over the course of this coming weekend and we can go into the new year together full of optimism for the remainder of the season!

Liam Sercombe: I haven’t been this excited since I last scribbled a note to Santa

Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale says he may have to rotate his squad this week as they face two games in the space of three days. The Grecians host Cheltenham Town on Friday, before travelling to the Kingsmeadow on Sunday to face Wimbeldon. Tisdale only made two changes to the starting line-up as his side went down to a 1-0 defeat at Stevenage on Saturday, but that is a luxury he might not be able to afford in the final two games of 2014. "I will have to move things about," said Tisdale. "I may have to do that more so for the Wimbledon game because I think by Friday the players who played at Stevenage will all be ready to play again. "I think the game on Sunday is going to be the test for us, but we have got an adaptable team. "I don't think any of the players are not used to playing in different positions. My job, I suppose, is to share the workload out and put the best team on the pitch per game. "What does come into the picture in this particular week is energy and spark in a match. "There is no right answer for this. You have to get a feel for it and make a decision. "Let's hope it works, but we have got enough good players to compete for results." One player who could be out for Friday's match is Christian Ribeiro. He has been impressing in recent weeks, but limped off with a knee injury midway through the second-half at Stevenage. However Matt Grimes, who also picked up a knock in the match, should be fit for the game having come through the 90 minutes at Broadhall Way. Friday will see two familiar faces return to St James's Park, with Paul Buckle currently in charge of Cheltenham and Rob Edwards his No. 2. Both Buckle and Edwards worked as assistant manager to Tisdale at City, with Edwards only leaving in the summer. As both of them know Exeter well, it might give Cheltenham a bit of an advantage. However, Tisdale is not letting that concern him. "I know when it comes to Friday we will both be looking to get three points," said Tisdale. "I suspect that we don't quite know as much about their team as they do about ours, but there is nothing wrong with that and I'm not too overly worried about it. "I'm sure they will be scrapping and playing at their absolute limit to try and get something from us. "We are playing quite well at home at the moment. I don't expect us to change that or drop off that level. "It is the Christmas period and you can always get the odd surprise result, but we are hoping we can turn it into a resounding home win. "I will look forward to seeing Paul and Rob on Friday, but more so after the game than during it."

Paul Tisdale to use Exeter City's full squad over Christmas period

Former naval dentist Ben Pearson has relocated from Waterbeer Street to a brand new million-pound practice in Queen Street, opposite Exeter Central Station. Dr Pearson, who has a special interest in periodontology – the study of gums – and his wife Becks, who is originally from South Devon, have owned the surgery in the Guildhall Square for the past 14 years. Initially operating as the Guildhall Dental Practice and more recently Ben Pearson Dentistry, Dr Pearson and his team have established a loyal clientele, taking referrals from all over the South West. The new practice is called Life Dental & Wellbeing. Dr Pearson said the world of dentistry is changing and he wants to encourage people in Exeter to change their approach to oral health. "For me it is all about helping my patients live a longer, healthier life with their own teeth," he said. Recent research has shown that most people are happy with the appearance of their teeth and what they really want is to have a healthy mouth. As well as addressing gum disease, the practice will continue to undertake all aspects of general dentistry and there will also be access to a dietician and health coach. The practice will also be offering free dental health checks to patients.

Exeter dentist Ben Pearson relocates practice to new premises

Exeter's prospects of becoming a global leader in the big data sector will be discussed at a conference hosted by the Met Office. The event, entitled 'Unlocking Big Data – Investing in Human Capital', is organised by the Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board. It comes amid plans to establish a Global Environmental Futures campus at Exeter Science Park to capitalise on the Met Office's £97m investment in a new supercomputer. Speakers at the conference on Wednesday, January 28, will include the Guardian's technology editor, Charles Arthur and Dr Kim Nilsson, a Swedish astrophysicist and Hubble astronomer who now supports academics looking to develop careers in data science in the private sector. Mark Shepherd, chairman of Exeter and the Heart of Devon ESB, said: "With the arrival of the Met Office's supercomputer, the South West and Exeter in particular can become a global leader in this fast growing sector. "However, the skills required of big data scientists are complex, which means there is already a shortfall in suitable candidates and recruitment is a big issue for many companies. "This is an important event, bringing together delegates from across the far south west to discuss how we can provide the right environment to develop and attract the skilled practitioners that will bring these companies to the area." Big data analysis is used to analyse vast amounts of information with great accuracy and at great speeds known as the 3Vs - volume, velocity and variety. The sector is growing rapidly across the globe, with uses ranging from astrophysics and science to government and business development through to online marketing. Organisations like eBay and Amazon are well known, but big data processing is now within the reach of less well-resourced organizations. Fraud detection, climate science and even health care are just some examples of sectors that are reliant on the information that big data analytics can uncover. Chris Garcia, chief executive of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: "The Heart of the South West area has the potential to become globally recognised as a leading cluster area for big data companies. "We have world leading companies including the Met Office and outstanding universities who are already working closely with business to develop data scientists able to operate in a commercial environment. "However we need to do more so that we are able to build the right environment to take advantage of the opportunities big data has to offer." Alex Nicholson, CIO of Plymouth big data company Intelligent Optimisations, the Met Office's Charles Ewen, CIO and Director of Information Technology will discuss building effective teams and business collaboration with research and development. Mr Garcia will examine the funding potential of the European Structural and Investment Fund Strategy and the potential for growth in the far South West. Funded by the Skills Funding Agency, the conference is aimed at big data practitioners, businesses, learning and training providers as well as aspiring and practising data scientists. It will include opportunities to meet the Heart of the South West's big data community in one of the world's leading big data organisations. The event is being supported by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Somerset Skills and Learning and the Met Office. Unlocking Big Data – Investing in Human Capital will take place at the Met Office, Exeter on Wednesday, January 28. The event will be completely interactive, with delegates taking part in focussed discussions inspired by the speakers. The results of these discussions will be analysed and fed back to attendees as part of the ongoing debates throughout the day. Places are limited and as demand is likely to be high, early booking is recommended. Tickets are available on a first come first served basis from: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unlocking-big-data-investing-in-human-capital-registration-14775029511

Exeter 'can become a global leader in big data', say conference organisers

Christmas drinkers in Devon are being warned to be on the look out for counterfeit Smirnoff vodka which could potentially pose health risks. Trading standards officers have discovered that the fake and potentially deadly spirits have been sold in the area. Concerns were raised after the complainant reported that a batch of the vodka sold to a nightclub had a hint of an acetone or nail varnish smell. Initial examinations found problems with the labelling and, following a sample analysis by Trading Standards officers, the contaminated bottles were found to contain industrial solvents, possibly screenwash. Consuming this solvent can cause abdominal pain, sickness or dizziness, and in large amounts could cause blindness and even death. Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service said the bottles are dangerous, and it is concerned that the counterfeit bottles could be offered for sale more widely in the South West, including local pubs and clubs in Devon and Somerset. Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards, said: "Pubs, clubs, off-licences and consumers should be aware that if they are offered vodka which is too cheap, it is unlikely to be genuine. "Counterfeit vodka can cause serious health problems and we would urge local traders to check their stock and ensure that they can trace the products they sell to a reliable source." Anyone with any concerns about counterfeit vodka should look out for:• poorly printed labels; • a lack of lot numbers (which can be found either laser etched on the glass bottle or ink-jet printed on the label);• sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Anyone with information about counterfeit vodka being purchased or sold should contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or visit http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/

Devon warning on potentially deadly fake vodka

EXETER City Council has just published its draft Low Emissions Strategy and part of that is to "support bus operators to make improvements to their fleet and lower emissions". Mike Bishop, engineering director for Stagecoach South West, told Community News: "We fully support Exeter City Council's low emissions strategy and we would advocate that buses are part of the solution to improve air quality across the city by providing services that give people a greener alternative to using their cars. "Stagecoach is a leading investor in eco-friendly vehicles. "More than half of our national bus fleet operates on a greener fuel blend that includes 30 per cent biofuel and we operate hybrid vehicles and gas buses in cities across the country. "We are continuing to invest in this greener technology and, in Exeter, we will give consideration to the infrastructure requirements for operating even greener vehicles as part of our planning for the site move required for the bus station redevelopment. "In the meantime, the majority of our fleet meets the Euro 5 emissions standard and any new vehicle purchases will meet Euro 6 standards. "All of our drivers are trained to use the Eco Driver monitoring system to ensure they are driving in a safe and fuel efficient manner, reducing overall emissions and our entire fleet uses low sulphur diesel with a high-tech additive, Envirox, which reduces pollution and improve fuel consumption."

NETWORK Rail is becoming increasing concerned about the number of people who are climbing over the safety barriers when they are down at Pinhoe Station. So much so that they have asked as a planning condition for the 16 homes proposed at the Vines that a contribution is made by the developers for a foot bridge across the railway line. In a letter to the city council regarding the planning application, Network Rail has written: "It is noted that the responsibility is not solely down to this 16-dwelling development as we would be seeking further percentage contributions from other developers who have planning applications which have an impact on Pinhoe Station." A spokeswoman for Network Rail told Community News: "Over recent months there have been three reported incidents of members of the public misusing the crossing by either climbing over the barriers while they are down or walking over the anti-trespass guards. "By engaging in such dangerous behaviour these people are not only putting themselves at risk but others too. This is why we are currently organising a safety campaign to take place at the crossing to raise awareness of these risks and help its users understand how to use it correctly to keep themselves and others safe. "Long-term we are also investigating options to install a footbridge to improve safety and accessibility at the station."

THE city council has yet to decide whether to grant planning permission for eight six-metre-high floodlights around the perimeter of the skatepark in Flowerpot playing fields. The issue is currently out for consultation and has attracted one objection and several letters of support. The scheme's supporters say that it would allow for the skatepark to be used more frequently, particularly in the winter months, and would also make the area safer for those walking there. The objector believes that the lights would bleach out the view of the "beautiful row of poplar trees".

City Council yet to decide on floodlights for Exeter skatepark

ACCESS to the 750 new homes planned for around the Met Office will be from a roundabout on Hill Barton Road. Members of the city's planning committee gave the green light for 750 new homes, along with open space and a site for a new railway halt, for land around the Met Office. The main access to the site is off Hill Barton Road initially the approved access arrangements comprised a three-arm signalised junction from Hill Barton Road. Since approval of the extant outline planning permission the developers have acquired land at Hill Barton Farm, which was excluded from the original boundary. Acquiring this additional land means that the developers have been able to look again at access and are now proposing a roundabout which is preferred by Devon County Council which is the highways authority because of better capacity, safety and the way it will fit better into the highway network in the area.

Plans for roundabout access to 750 new homes on land by Met Office

Emergancy services were called to an electrical explosion in Exmouth in the early hours of this morning. The Fire Service received a call from a concerned resident who heard a loud ban and could see a flame coming from an underground service manhole on Vernon Road at 07:23 today. One fire engine from Exmouth attended. Fire crews requested the attendance of Western Power. The force from an explosion had lifted the manhole cover of an electrical service duct on the pavement. The fire was out on the arrival of fire crews who inspected the duct to ensure it was safe. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental. The incident was handed over to a Western Power engineer.

Emergency services called to electrical explosion in manhole in Exmouth