Match Reports

Match Report: Plymouth Argyle 2 Exeter City 2

11th April

Two goals apiece for Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle in the second half meant that points had to be shared in the second Devon Derby of the season.

A much-needed win for Exeter City at the start of the week against Doncaster Rovers putt Matt Taylor’s men in good stead ahead of their trip to Home Park for the second Devon Derby of the season.

Taylor fielded an unchanged starting eleven to the side that beat the Rovers five days prior, with Tom Cleverley following suit and making no changes to his side that convincingly beat Barnsley at Oakwell on Monday afternoon.

First Half

The first big chance of the game came in the 12^th minute when Argyle launched a long throw into the City penalty area, only to be headed out as far as Wed Harding who was quick to send another lofted ball in. Owen Oseni rose the highest to head the ball from close range, but the extended leg of Jack Bycroft between the City sticks got enough on the ball to send it over for a corner that the Grecians comfortably defended.

The Grecians got a chance of their own soon after from a free-kick near the halfway line, this saw Danny Andrew float a signature left-footed ball into the Argyle penalty area. It appeared nobody in green was in a great rush to meet the ball though, as it fell to Pierce Sweeney on the byline and allowed him to drill a low ball across, yet it was then swifty cleared from danger.

Oseni got another opportunity to make inroads on the 20-minute mark as the hosts countered. The Irishman twisted and turned on the edge of the box before switching to his right and shooting towards Bycroft’s goal; fortunately, however the effort only struck the outside of the net.

Hearts were momentarily in the mouths of the onlooking City supporters in the away stand when Bycroft appeared to briefly misjudge a header in the area, this saw the Grecian keeper come off his line to try and punch the ball away only for the ball to career past him and bounce agonisingly wide of the post.

Another threat from the hosts came soon afterwards when Ronan Curtis curled the ball into the box, causing a stir in the backline and resulting in a brief goalmouth scramble that eventually saw the ball cleared up-field. Argyle were enjoying a positive period it seemed though, as Lorent Tolaj soon forced Bycroft into another stop.

The Pilgrims were awarded another corner late in the half that saw City defend efficiently before countering, yet multiple blocks from green bodies quelled any threats that the Grecians possessed as they tried to cross balls into the area. With just one additional minute, referee Matt Corlett blew for the break drawing a close to an entertaining half of football.

Second Half

Matt Taylor's half-time team talk seemed to ignite a fire in the bellies of his players, as the Grecians came out swinging in the opening minutes of the second half. A free-kick for City let Mendes Gomes sprint down the left side before crossing diagonally to Niskanen on the right. The Fin picked out Reece Cole in the heart of the penalty area who poked the ball home from close range to open scoring and cue pandemonium in the away end.

Tom Cleverley rolled the dice with his side now trailing and introduced Xavier Amaechi and former Grecian Caleb Watts to the mix. It wouldn't take long for the former City man to cause a stir on the pitch, as a disagreement between himself and Kevin McDonald soon resulted in a brief tussle between the two of them and resultant bookings each.

A rare corner for the Pilgrims with ten minutes to go afforded them a valuable chance to level, and a chance they took. The ball fell to Magennis who misplaced his header and found Tolaj inside the area who headed home confidently from close range to level the game. With ten minutes left, it was now anybody's game.

With less than five minutes left on the clock, a long throw from Sweeney resulted in a scramble in the Argyle box. Jayden Wareham won the race for the ball and was able to poke home from close range and re-establish the lead for the Grecians. Celebrations in the away end were cut short however, as the Pilgrims would be awarded a free kick on the touchline 25-yards out. The ball was swung in, and amidst yet another goalmouth scramble, Malachi Boateng got the final touch and levelled up late on for the hosts.

After eight minutes of added time, the referees whistle brought an end to a thrilling encounter between the two sides, yet the Grecians will undoubtedly feel frustrated not to have come away with all three points.

Up Next

Exeter City host Stockport County at St James Park in the penultimate home game of the season in Sky Bet League One. Be sure to get your tickets ahead of time to back the team and save by using this link!