Caldwell unhappy at crucial penalty decision

Gary Caldwell is starting his third full season as Exeter City manager

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell said his side should not have had a crucial penalty kick given against them in their 1-0 loss at Doncaster Rovers.

The opening day defeat - City's first since 2016 - came when Luke Molyneux converted from the spot after Exeter substitute Kevin McDonald had been penalised for handball.

But Caldwell said the decision should not have been given following meetings between referees and managers earlier this week.

"We were told in both meetings we had that handballs would have to be deliberate - they would have to be in a really unnatural positions," he told BBC Radio Devon.

"We would have to know it touched his hand, which when we zoom in and see it in slow motion we still don't know that.

"He's given it off what he sees - I can't criticise referees too much as it's a really difficult job and we'll get good and bad decisions against us.

"But according to the new rules, that for me isn't a penalty."

However, Caldwell said his side have to improve after their first game, where they had two shots on goal, none of which hit the target.

The Grecians have their first home game of the season next Saturday against Blackpool, who also lost their opener as they went down 3-2 at home to Stevenage.

"We have to be better. I think we can perform much better," Caldwell said.

"When you come into the first game of the season there's always that excitement, anxiety of the season starting.

"We have to deal with the pressure of a big game better."

He added: "We can be much braver in possession. We have much better quality than we showed at times today, but that's part of the first game of the season and kind of getting that out of the way.

"We have to work on the training pitch next week to make sure we're better in those moments against Blackpool next Saturday."