As Paul Tisdale said, this time last year, Exeter City would probably have lost to Lincoln City on Saturday after seeing the Imps control possession for the majority of the second half.

The Grecians were solid and composed on Saturday, leaving Christy Pym with little to do - aside from a stunning stop to deny Matt Green midway through the second period.

It was a far cry from 12 months ago when, in a similar position when leading against Hartlepool United, City conceded in the 74th and 75th minute to lose 2-1.

Yet, if you look closely, the two situations were pretty similar.

On Saturday, like last season, the Grecians were suffering from some injuries, with key players Jordan Moore-Taylor and David Wheeler both missing - Tisdale said he could have played them if needed but chose not to risk them, something that represents the confidence he has in the rest of his squad.

So what's the difference between this season and last?

For a start, City themselves seem a lot more confident and sure of their own ability. Twelve months ago, this was a side who had limped to a mid-table finish the season before and had players such as Pierce Sweeney, Ethan Ampadu and Liam McAlinden involved, who were experiencing their first full seasons at a senior level.

When injuries struck, it meant the City boss was forced to rotate his side, especially defensively, meaning players were forced to get to know each others' game pretty quickly. It was a situation that did not help to breed confidence.

Twelve months on, and Tisdale has managed to keep the majority of his side together, meaning that they are all a lot more familiar with each other - evidenced by the change in shape against Lincoln and the absence of Moore-Taylor not really being felt as much as it perhaps would have last season.

Alongside that, the players who were getting their first taste of regular senior football are now a year older and know what to expect, whilst City's squad has been there and done it last season. They can feel confident in their own ability after getting to Wembley last season and perhaps trust themselves a little more.

Overall, the signs are boding well for City after three strong performances, especially with key players missing on Saturday. With winnable games against Cheltenham Town, Newport County and Forest Green Rovers now on the horizon, I see no reason why they can't begin to fulfill the promise that we have seen in the opening trio of matches.