THE superb Charles Vernam was taken off with 20 minutes to go in the 1-1 FA Cup first round draw with Exeter on Saturday, to the surprise of many in the crowd.

But the winger does not hold any grudges against boss Derek Adams.

After the game, the Scot explained that he brought the the 25-year-old off for Callum Cooke so he could move Alex Gilliead to the left, who he felt was a better defensive option than Vernam against the attacking threat of Exeter substitute Josh Key.

But the move did not pay off, with Key bursting free down the right with five minutes to go, setting up Sam Nombe for a late equaliser.

A diplomatic Vernam told the T&A: "The manager sees the game from a different, more clear perspective than you do as a player.

"He's the one who makes the decisions, I respect that, and if defensively is where I need to improve, then I'll work on that in training.

"I spoke to Derek at the start of the season and I know it's something he wants me to get better at, so I have to show him I'm capable.

"I'm never going to be the finished article as a player, there's always areas I can improve, and I need to look at my whole game, not just at the attacking side of things."

ABOVE: Just some of the reactions under the live blog after City's draw with Exeter on Saturday.

Vernam has been in and out of the side this season, and was one of the victims of the dreadful defeat to Hartlepool three weeks ago, which saw him dropped for the next two League Two games.

He said: "I felt good and scored against Bristol Rovers but Hartlepool was poor and there were always going to be changes after that.

"In the past, I've let myself get down about being dropped, but now I try and focus on the bigger picture.

"I didn't start the first two league games, then took my chance against Stevenage, so there'll always be an opportunity to get back in the team, and you have to be ready for that."

It will be interesting to see who starts tonight's final group game in the Papa John's Trophy at Sunderland, which has little riding on it for City as they are already out.

But Vernam said: "There's always something to play for in a game.

"Us forwards could add to our goals and assists tallies and it is a chance for us to keep up our momentum after three good games in a row.

"You always want to win any game, but it will be tough at Sunderland, being away from home and them being in the league above.

"But it's a chance for us to go there, be positive, and show no fear."