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Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell says his side's 1-1 draw with 10 men at high-flying Stevenage has to be "the turning point" for their poor form.

The Grecians' winless run was extended to 12 League One matches, but they impressed after playing more than half of the game with 10 men after Jack Aitchison's 43rd-minute sending off.

Exeter remain 20th in the table, three points above the relegation places.

"This has to be a turning point," Caldwell told ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Devon.

"The character they showed has to be the minimum and we have to build on what we do with the ball and how we progress from here."

The Grecians' poor run of form has seen them slip from the top of League One to fifth from bottom and resulted in pressure growing on Caldwell, who has retained the backing of the club's directors and players.

"We know we need to be better," Caldwell added.

"We're in a difficult season at the moment, one which started so well and we're in a difficult period.

"But when you see that sort of fight and that sort of effort, and you've got 26 games to go, I think there's a lot to look forward to this season."

The decision by referee Ross Joyce to send off Aitchison for a second yellow card shortly before half-time angered Caldwell.

The former Celtic youngster, who had already been booked, was shown a yellow card for dissent, with Stevenage going on to take the lead in first-half stoppage time shortly afterwards.

"It's every week we have to put up with this," Caldwell said of the decision.

"I think we're a nice club, I think we're very respectful on the side, but we have to put up with this every week.

"Even second half the amount of minutes that got added on, when we're chasing a game we never get those minutes, and we have to put up with that.

"I can't say too much or I'll get in trouble, but the players responded in the right way and we got what we deserved."