Caldwell hails makeshift Exeter defence after Boxing Day win

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell has hailed his makeshift defence after his side beat Bristol Rovers 3-1 on Boxing Day.

The Grecians' first-choice back three of Pierce Sweeney, Tristan Crama and Jonly Yfeko are all out with injuries.

It meant midfielder Ed Francis dropped into defence alongside Jack Fitzwater and full-back Jack McMillan.

"I thought they were outstanding," Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon.

"We're asking three players who have never played together, one of which is a midfielder, one's an attacking full-back and one is an out-and-out defender.

"We have a group of players who are fantastic, they work hard every day, they give their best, but it is a makeshift back three, so I thought they were outstanding considering they've never played together.

"They had difficult moments, but we saw them through, Joe (Whitworth) pulled off some brilliant saves again when he was needed.

"That's what it's going to take for us to be successful, it's going to take the whole group."