Exeter City FC

City midfielder Scot Bennett admits that Saturday’s Devon Derby is one of the fixtures that he and his colleagues have been looking forward to since the fixture list was printed in the summer.

Players and fans alike are looking forward to a great occasion this weekend when the two old rivals meet at St James’ Park for a midday kick-off.  And Scot, who returns from the suspension which ruled him out of the game against Rochdale last Saturday, feels that the derby adds a little extra motivation.

“Since we went down last season, and with Plymouth being in League 2 already, it’s the first one you look for on the fixture list because it’s such a big thing for the club,” said Bennett.

“You want to go and impress and make sure you get the three points over them, so that’s what we’ll definitely be trying to do.”

Bennett grew up down the road in Cornwall, but he understands the passions of the derby on the other side of the Devonian border.  He was an unused substitute the last time the two teams met at St James’ Park just over a year ago, but he enjoyed the occasion at the atmosphere that it generated.

“You see a few fans in the street and they’ll speak to you about the game because they’re so excited about it,” continued Scot.  “They obviously want Exeter to win so that they can be the pride of Devon again.

“Unfortunately I missed out on being involved last year [in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy] but the atmosphere was brilliant and I know the lads thrived off of it.  So hopefully this year I can thrive off atmosphere as well, so hopefully we’ll get the three points and be the pride of Devon.”

Supporters are reminded that the game is all ticket, so tickets will need to be purchased no later than Friday at 5.30pm from Reception.  Please click here for important matchday information and arrangements for the Devon Derby.