Caldwell joy at McDonald's rare Exeter City goal

Kevin McDonald's winner at Lincoln City was his first goal since 1 April 2023

Exeter City boss Gary Caldwell says Kevin McDonald's winning goal was a reward for the veteran midfielder's impact at the club.

The 36-year-old former Scotland player returned as a late substitute after almost two months out to score the Grecians' 90th-minute winner at Lincoln City.

The 1-0 win ended a run of four successive League One defeats and inflicted a first home loss in the league this season on the Imps.

"It's great to see him back, he is an amazing character in the group," Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon.

"His experience, the respect his team-mates have for him, the quality he shows in training and we felt like we just might need his experience.

"A few players got left out of the squad today that were unlucky and we felt we would need his experience late in the game.

"Some of his passes weren't great, he's just said that, but the one moment that mattered he had the quality and the composure to pass it in the goal.

"I'm buzzing for him because he loves the game, he loves football, he wants to keep playing and it's great to see him enjoying his football and celebrate with the fans at the end."