ALL good things come to an end and the U’s undefeated run, dating back to November 22, ended at Exeter on Saturday.

It was a match in which the first goal was all-important.

It changed the game and, just to prove that formation isn't everything, it was scored by a player who was leading the line without a strike partner.

Reuben Reid was playing up front on his own and was the nearest thing we will see to a goal-hanger at this level, saving his energy and always playing on and off the shoulder of the last man.

Clever, too clever for some of his own fans, with a clinical finish when the chance came.

Around Reid the supply and support was superb, with all the most fluid moves coming through Ollie Watkins, a player clearly playing below his level.

Watkins stood apart and was the difference between the sides.

If the right club was watching, he will be on his way to higher things, now or when the season ends Exeter were very effective - great when out of possession and not needing much of the ball to create chances.

We missed Owen Garvan greatly and were reminded of it when Lloyd James bent in a wonderful free-kick in the first half - one Garvan would have been proud of - and provided a top-draw corner onto Troy Brown’s waiting head.

We didn't do a lot wrong against a good and effective side.

Exeter stole a smash-and-grab win on their own pitch, including two breakaway goals.

Admittedly, Troy Brown missed with two first-half headers from set-pieces that could made the score even more harsher, given the balance of play.

The key moments all went in Exeter's favour.

In the cold light of day, they used Reuben Reid very effectively and rather unconventionally.

When they took Reid off and decided to consolidate and close the game down, playing on the break, we had to over commit and Exeter notched two breakaway goals.

Call it tactical genius if you like, but really it was just that what they tried worked well.

The lesson for us was that Drey Wright is no replacement for Owen Garvan, which we knew anyway.

Hopefully Tommy O'Sullivan or Tarique Fosu can be.

When Exeter pinched the points in our corresponding home fixture in September, I sang their praises as a progressive club, run on the right lines.

Only after did I check their league position and discover that they were deep in the relegation zone.

It was an ‘Oops’ moment. I am glad to see my confidence wasn’t misplaced as they are now absolutely flying and looked the most proficient team we have faced all season.

Frankie Kent has received an award this week as EFL Young Player of the Month for December.

It reminded me of the famous question to Ringo Starr, enquiring if he was the best drummer in the world.

Ringo’s reply was ‘I’m not even the best drummer in the Beatles!’ Frankie might reflect that Tom Lapslie has performed with equal consistency, and maybe fewer errors, during December.

So long as they can all laugh the award off, then all is fine!

I am sure he will be delighted to receive the award, but won’t take it too seriously and accept it with a large pinch of salt.

Frankie is now established in the team and has just turned 21. When he is on his game his class shines like a beacon.

That is what means something and matters.

Ipswich Town appear to have leaked news to the media that they are interested in signing Brennan Dickenson.

I would love to know why the news has become public. It’s a distraction that we don’t need.

Mick McCarthy has a history of recruiting wide players from well down the leagues and I don’t just mean Tyrone Mings, who was bought from Chippenham for £10,000 and sold to Bournemouth for a calm £8million.

Michael Kightly, from Grays Athletic, and Andy Keogh, from Scunthorpe, both fit that bill and did more than most to get Wolves promoted triumphantly.

The bonus with Brennan is that he is a wonderfully strong defender, so he is almost two players for the price of one.

Let's hope we can find a way to keep Brennan happy at the Weston Homes.