Plymouth Argyle to visit for another derby
AS IF the excitement of Saturday’s dramatic win over Plymouth Argyle wasn’t enough, the two teams get to do it all over again tomorrow evening at St James Park in the St. Luke’s Cup semi-final.Tuesday’s meeting will be the fourth Devon derby between the two clubs this season, with City coming out on top in both league games, whilst Argyle advanced when the sides met in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy back in October.
Having beaten Plymouth Parkway 6-1 and Cullompton Rangers 1-0, in the previous rounds, City now find themselves one game away from the final and potential silverware. Witheridge FC will await the winners in the final, which will be played in Newton Abbot.
Tomorrow’s game is a 7.30pm kick-off at SJP, with all entry on the gate. Entry is just £5 for adults, £3 for over-62s and £1 for under-18s/students. See you all there for a second Devon derby in four days!
Here’s a recap of the clashes between the sides so far this season:
Plymouth Argyle 2-0 Exeter City - Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, October 6th 2015
A crowd of over 9,000 were present at Home Park as Argyle recorded a 2-0 victory which ended the Grecians’ hopes of JPT glory for this season. Goals from Hiram Boateng and Craig Tanner were enough for the Pilgrims to progress to round three.
Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Exeter City - SkyBet League 2, November 21st 2015
Revenge was in order in November, as City once again travelled to Home Park, this time with league points at stake. Almost 1,000 dedicated City supporters made the journey and were in fine voice as they witnessed a memorable 2-1 win. Manager Paul Tisdale gave a first start to Ollie Watkins, and also brought in Jamie Reid for a starting berth following his loan spell at Truro City.
After Kelvin Mellor had brought down David Wheeler in the box on the half-hour, Ryan Harley stepped up to put the Grecians 1-0 up, and nine minutes later things got even better as Harley once again found the back of the net, this time via a mazy run and finish from the edge of the box.
Oscar Threlkeld pulled one back for the home side on the stroke of the hour, but City held on to record an away win that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
Exeter City 2-1 Plymouth Argyle - SkyBet League Two, April 2nd 2016
The most recent Devon derby requires no introduction…but let’s do it anyway!
Saturday’s match had much riding on it. With City pushing for a play-off place and Argyle hoping to cement their place in the automatic promotion spots, there was plenty to play for. A sold out St James Park, bathed in sunshine, provided an electric atmosphere with the Big Bank faithful in fine voice.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half after a long hopeful ball downfield wasn’t dealt with by City’s defence, allowing Jamille Matt to smash home on the volley, much to the delight of the visiting supporters. Despite falling a goal behind, City responded positively and looked bright as they tried to work their way back into the game.
Manager Paul Tisdale introduced both Jake Taylor and David Noble from the bench and both had an immediate positive impact on the game. Noble controlled midfield with an assuredness and experience required in the heat of a local derby, while Taylor’s forward movement and creativity in the final third boosted players and supporters alike.
But it was League Two player of the month Watkins who would steal the show and the points for the Grecians. A sharp turn and shot from the edge of the box forced an error from Argyle keeper Luke McCormick for the equalizer, and City would scoop all of the rewards in spectacular fashion in added time as academy graduate Watkins’ trickery to beat three defenders was followed by a simply stunning left-footed strike from twenty-five yards, leaving McCormick stranded as the ball sailed into the top corner.
Wild scenes of celebration followed in the stands and on the touchline, and, as the likes of Paul Tisdale and Danny Butterfield jumped for joy, the final whistle followed soon after to secure a famous victory for the Grecians and keep the play-off hopes firmly alive.