Scully calls debut goal 'one of the best feelings'

Anthony Scully scored early in the second half as Exeter City beat Rotherham United 1-0 [Shutterstock] Anthony Scully says his debut goal for Exeter City was one of the greatest moments in his career. The 27-year-old forward was unveiled as an Exeter player on Saturday morning before having the key moment in the Grecians' 1-0 win over Rotherham United. Scully had been a free agent since leaving Shrewsbury Town in the summer having had an injury-hit few years after a successful spell at Lincoln City. "It was one of the best feelings I've had in my life today," he told BBC Sport. "That moment was one of the best feelings I've had in a long, long time. All the hard work and to get a moment like that - I couldn't be prouder. "I've had some tough, tough times, so to keep pushing and keep going - as you have to do in football - and then to get a moment like today that was really special for me," he added. "Today was like months and years of setback, setback, keep going, so that's the top for me that goal." Scully's debut goal secures rare Exeter City win Exeter sign former Lincoln winger Scully Scully's goal ended a four-game scoreless run for the Grecians, who had not won a League Two game since mid-August. The Grecians saw a host of experienced players leave over the summer following their relegation from League One and the financial hangover from an overspend in the 2024-25 campaign. Exeter boss Matt Taylor said Scully is the sort of player his young squad has desperately been in need of. "He was one of the profiles of players we're short of - 27 years of age, knows the league, knows the moments of the game, doesn't get outmanoeuvred, doesn't get outworked," he told BBC Sport. "He's never looked out of place and I think he'll add an element of control to our mid-pitch build and our attacking third as well. "He's not going to sprint past people time and time again, but he's a moving and an energy player and he controls the ball, so something we're certainly we need within our ranks." PFA summer programme key to Scully's success Anthony Scully was hailed by the home supporters after his goalscoring debut for Exeter City [Shutterstock] Scully was part of the Professional Footballers' Association's (PFA) summer programme for free agent players. The PFA put on pre-season training and friendly matches for players who were no longer under contract and were aiming to find a new club. Scully says that without the PFA's help over the summer he would not have been in a position to earn his move to St James Park. "All the lads there are in a similar position, so when you're communicating with each other you understand people's backgrounds a bit more," he explained. "It's a difficult time so when you have each other to speak with it's really helpful. "You have difficult decisions sometimes - whether you hold out for a correct move, do you just jump at the first option, it's a very difficult time. "I think the PFA puts you in a shop window where people can look and say 'he's fit, he's trained, he's playing games', especially with the past," he added. "I don't like talking about it, but it's well documented that I've had a tough few years with injuries and it was important that it was out there that 'he's still fit, he's still playing, he's in a good position' - so there's definitely no chance I would have been there without that." Listen to Exeter City content on BBC Sounds