Gary Caldwell: Exeter City boss calls on his players to be braver

John McAtee's late winner inflicted a third successive defeat on Exeter City

Exeter City need to be braver in attack if they are to arrest their dip in form says manager Gary Caldwell.

A 1-0 defeat at home by Barnsley was their fifth loss in six League One games meaning they have slipped from top to 11th place in League One.

City have scored just once in their last four league matches as they recover from a number of injuries.

"I thought we were the better team, but we have to score goals," Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon after the loss.

"We've worked all week on trying to break them down and people don't commit to passes, don't force it through lines with bravery.

"I've said to them I'll back players 100% when you give the ball away playing with bravery and playing on the front foot.

"But when we go tippy-tappy and safe then I can't get behind the players at that point.

"We need more bravery in those actions to play forward and be aggressive in our play, and that will ultimately create more chances."