Exeter City boss Matt Taylor has claimed the club are looking to sign a new goalkeeper after regular first choice Lewis Ward suffered a broken arm.

Ward has kept five clean sheets in 12 appearances since joining the Grecians from Reading over the summer, but he is now set to miss an extended period after suffering the injury during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra.

It means Exeter are now depending on another summer recruit in Jonny Maxted to fill in for the 22-year-old during the club's upcoming matches, and he made a good start to his upcoming stint in the side by keeping a clean sheet during the 2-0 victory over Newport last night.

However, Taylor has now confirmed that Exeter are in the market for another goalkeeping option as they strive to ensure there is appropriate cover for Maxted, with the Grecians aiming to maintain their spot in the League Two promotion places.

Speaking to Devon Live after Exeter's Leasing.com Trophy victory over Newport, Taylor revealed the club is working hard to recruit a new goalkeeper by the time their weekend match against league leaders Forest Green comes around.

“I will bring someone in and we are working hard behind the scenes. There’s not as many free agents as you will imagine, certainly not goalkeepers, and I want to bring in a bit of quality as well," he said.

“There will be a goalkeeper coming in, possibly before Saturday, but if it is not before Saturday, then certainly before next week. It will have to be a free agent because, unless all our goalkeepers are injured, you can’t bring in a loan.”

Exeter have made an impressive start to the season in League Two as they have won six of their opening 12 games to see them sit second in the table after narrowly missing out on a play-off spot last term.

The Verdict

This is definitely the right move from Exeter as it appears Ward will be out for some time with his injury. They cannot afford to take the risk of having Maxted as the only senior goalkeeper.

It looks likely Exeter will be involved in a promotion battle this season so it's also crucial they have competition across the pitch, and this includes in the goalkeeping department.

Maxted is a solid back-up goalkeeper at League Two level as he made 26 appearances for Accrington last term and has already proven his quality in his EFL Trophy outings, but it is remains crucial Taylor gets another signing through the door.

It might prove difficult for Taylor to find his man given the club must sign someone on a permanent deal, but there are surely certain to be plenty of un-contracted goalkeepers interested in joining a side that is flying high in League Two.

[freshpress-poll ]