PAUL Tisdale has called for Exeter City's fans to get behind his side in tomorrow night's home clash with Bristol Rovers.

The Grecians boss was touched by the reaction of the away supporters on Saturday after more than 100 fans cheered the side off the team bus before the goalless Coca-Cola League One draw with Southend United.

Tisdale said Shrimpers officials even commented on the vocal backing by the visiting fans at Roots Hall. Now the City manager is urging fans to reproduce that show of solidarity in tomorrow's St James's Park encounter.

"If we can make that much noise with 400 away fans, imagine what we could do with 5,000," he said. "It makes such a difference and gives the players a huge lift.

"Not for the first time this season, opposition players were heard asking why their fans can't support like that.

"Even some of their bosses made a special reference to how good our away fans were. But what we have got to make sure is that we take this into the home games now.

"Four out of our next six games are at home and we have got to look at those and say we have got a real chance of some points.

"I am sure they will come if everyone gets involved in the team effort and that includes the supporters being right behind us."

A section of City fans booed Ryan Harley after he received the man-of-the-match award in the recent 1-1 home draw with Oldham Athletic.

And Tisdale says all the coaching staff have been working hard to ensure the players cope with the tension at St James's Park.

"We are all human and know the importance of this match," said Tisdale. "But it is important the players are free of the anxiety and just concentrate on their game.

"A big lift from the fans on Saturday helped minimise that anxiety and hopefully we can get that again on Wednesday."

City keeper Andy Marriott also praised the fans for their pre-match show of support on Saturday.

"All the players would like to say a massive thank you for the fantastic support that all the supporters gave us on Saturday," he said.

"The support we get is always appreciated and it makes such a difference at crucial times."