The Finn talks the good run, the importance of St James Park, and how he is playing his best football
05:51, 21 Jan 2026
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Exeter City wing-back Ilmari Niskanen says the Grecians are firmly looking up the League One table after a clinical 3-0 demolition of Stevenage at St James Park.
Up the 13th now in the table, the Grecians have pulled away from the relegation zone they found themselves in after Boxing Day having picked up 13 points from the last 15 available, and now have five successive wins at home without conceding
The victory served as the perfect tonic to last weekend's ‘tough afternoon’ at Manchester City as the Premier League side dished out a club record 10-1 thrashing. Any thoughts that it would dampen confidence and belief though were quickly put aside with victory over Boro.
Jayden Wareham’s penalty put the Grecians ahead early in the second half, before Ethan Brierley double the lead with his first goal for the club. Timur Tieturov on his debut sealed the win in stoppage-time.
Goal celebrations for Ethan Brierley of Exeter City during the Sky Bet League Match between Exeter City and Stevenage at St James Park, Devon on 17th Jan 2026. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
View 3 Images
Goal celebrations for Ethan Brierley of Exeter City during the Sky Bet League Match between Exeter City and Stevenage at St James Park, Devon on 17th Jan 2026. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK(Image: Phil Mingo/PPAUK)
In what remains a tight division, City are now six points off the play-off spots – and have two games in hand on sixth placed Huddersfield Town. So, is the promotion charge on? 100 per cent said Niskanen, with a huge smile on his face.
“Of course at the same time there are still 21 games left in the league, but we are definitely looking up,” he added with a slight dose of realism when asked in jest. “The league is so tight but I have so much belief and trust in this group of players and stuff that I know that we can achieve fantastic things over this season.
“Of course it is easier said than done and we just need to take it one game at a time. The whole group is full of belief and confidence going into every game. After September, we have been brilliant in the league, pretty much in every single game. Of course, we haven't always been able to get the results, but lately we have been able to turn the final it into victories. So yeah. Still a long season to go, but we are definitely looking up.”
View 3 Images
Ilmari Niskanen of Exeter City on the break during the Sky Bet League Match between Exeter City and Stevenage at St James Park, Devon on 17th Jan 2026. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK(Image: Phil Mingo/PPAUK)
“We were just so full of desire and hunger to go out there and prove to ourselves and to our supporters how good of a team we are,” the Finnish international added. “It wasn't acceptable what happened last Saturday, but we can learn so much from that. It's a really good reaction from the whole group and of course, the reaction was needed.
“After a very tough afternoon last Saturday, we were full of hunger, full of desire from the kick off and yeah, I don't think it's was the perfect performance, but I cannot have too many complaints when you win 3-0 and another clean sheet at home and especially our home form in the league has been a magnificent.
A cornerstone of Exeter's recent success has been the fortress-like atmosphere at St James Park. The Grecians haven't tasted a home league defeat since September, nine games now, a run Niskanen attributes largely to the vocal support from the stand, particularly when attacking the Big Bank.
“The atmosphere gives us so much,” he said. “Especially when we attack towards the Big Bank in the second half, it’s just... it’s usually goal after goal. It just feels like it is sucking the ball in. It is the best place to play football, for sure.”
View 3 Images
Ilmari Niskanen of Exeter City meeting Exeter City fans before the Sky Bet League Match between Exeter City and Stevenage at St James Park, Devon on 17th Jan 2026. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK(Image: Phil Mingo/PPAUK)
On a personal level, Niskanen is arguably playing the best football of his career. Thriving at present, he won City’s player of the month for December, as well as being nominated for the League One award – the first time since the Grecians got back to the third tier any player for the club has made the shortlist.
Article continues below
“Physically, I feel like the best I've been in my whole career,” the 27-year-old admitted. “My confidence levels are higher than they've ever been. I love my role at the moment; of course, it demands a lot of running, but I feel really fit.
“That connection on the right side with me, Sweenz, and Reece is really, really good. I know that I haven't reached my full potential yet, so I just need to keep working hard every single day and the reward will come.”