The Devon Derby returns to a SOLD OUT St James Park on Saturday as Exeter City take on local rivals Plymouth Argyle in a 1pm kick-off.
Ahead of the match, Matt Taylor highlighted how much the team are looking forward to playing in front of a sold out, bouncing St James Park.
He said: "When the fixtures come out it's the first one people speak about and rightly so as it's a big game in this part of the country.
"Days like this at the Park when it's full and the Big Bank is bouncing are the ones you look forward to."
KEY SUPPORTER INFORMATION
If you are one of the lucky ones to get tickets, please take the time to read the key details below, ahead of the 1pm kick-off.
The Centre Spot Bar will be open from 8:30am to show England's Rugby World Cup match against New Zealand.
St James Road will be subject to a road closure from 12pm to 4pm on the day. During this time St James Road will be closed to all vehicles and pedestrian supporters other than Plymouth Argyle supporters. Please use an alternative route and allow sufficient time to enter the ground prior to kick-off.
The turnstiles will open from 11:30am allowing you plenty of time to enter the stadium. Please note that searching will take place at all turnstiles so please minimise any bags that you bring on the day.
You can play your part and help us to reduce foul and abusive language at the match and to eradicate all forms of antisocial behaviour at St James Park.
All we ask is that you respect that as a Supporter owned club which focusses on significant work in the community, that you consider the appropriateness of chanting. There will be many families attending the match and we want to make sure that it is enjoyable for all.
Don’t be offside, if you spot anything questionable, please inform the nearest Steward or text ‘HELP ECFC’ to 62277.
TRAVEL UPDATE
From Saturday 26 October to Friday 8 November, the line between Crediton and Barnstaple will be closed whilst Network Rail relay track. Buses will replace trains between these stations whilst trains will continue to run between Crediton, Exeter and Exmouth.
Any fans travelling from Barnstaple will need to catch a replacement bus to Crediton and then connect onto a train up to Exeter Central or St James’ Park.
Click here to find out more.
THE CONTEXT
City come into the match on the back of back-to-back away defeats at Cambridge United and Scunthorpe United.
Plymouth arrive on the back of a six match unbeaten streak, which saw them pick up home wins over Carlisle United and Leyton Orient.
LAST TIME WE MET
Plymouth Argyle 2 Exeter City 2: October 3, 2017
The sides last met in the Checkatrade Trophy in 2017 and a young Grecians side held their Devon counterparts. The Grecians netted after 13 minutes when Matt Jay played in Liam McAlinden who finished well.
Ryan Edwards pulled a goal back six minutes later, but City went ahead on 70 minutes when loanee Kyle Edwards cut inside and finished well. But just five minutes later the home side were level again when Nathan Blissett’s goal took the game to penalties. The Pilgrims then managed to come out on top with a 5-3 penalty shootout win.
TICKETS NEWS
The match is SOLD OUT so no tickets will be available on the day - thank you for your support.
MATCH SPONSORS
Our match sponsors are RGB Building Supplies, associate sponsor is Thatchers Cider and our ball sponsors are BSB, AllWood Buildings LTD and RLR Construction.
We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support and wish them a pleasant day at St James Park.
MATCH DAY PROGRAMME
Our award-winning match day programme returns this Saturday and as usual has a whole host of content for supporters of all ages. Inside we’ll have a feature interview with City-captain Jake Taylor, who discusses the season so far dressing room spirit at Exeter City.
Junior Grecians can take part in our quizzes and local journalists Matt Bamsey and Alan Richardson cast their eyes over the Grecians and the wider footballing world.
MASCOTS
You can read the mascot profiles in the match day programme which you can pick up in the stadium for £3.00 on the day. For mascot booking or information, please contact andy.gillard@ecfc.co.uk.
CLUB SHOP
The club shop will be open from 10:30am and closes once supporters have left SJP, giving you the opportunity to make some purchases ahead of the match including the popular new third kit! There is a great range for all City supporters including training wear, mugs, scarves and a selection of pocked money items for kids.
MATCHDAY ACTIVITIES
As ever, football at the Park isn't just about the 90 minutes on the pitch, we've got a whole host of opportunities and experiences to make your matchday extra special.
Announce the team in Red Square
Steve Darke, the master of ceremonies for the match will be asking a home supporter to announce the City side at 12:05pm. If you would like to do this head to the Information Point before 12pm.
There will also be the Red Square Quiz, 'tell us a joke and make us laugh' and a large connect four challenge!
Join the Guard of Honour
Want to be on the pitch as the players enter SJP? Then be part of the flag waving, Guard of Honour! This Saturday lucky children will be chosen from the IP Office Main Stand at 12:25pm.
After assembling, the Guard of Honour (and parents) move to the far side of ground to get some practice in waving their flags, which also presents an opportunity for Grecian to pose for photographs.
When the players finish their warm up the Guard of Honour go on their 'lap of honour' in front of the stands to the players’ tunnel. After they have been on the field and welcomed the teams and officials onto the pitch they receive their “gift” (normally a packet of sweets) and certificates of participation.
If your son, daughter or grandchild has not been involved in the Guard of Honour, please email customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk.
Junior Grecians Lounge
The Junior Grecians are the Official Junior Supporters Club of Exeter City FC.
The room provides a safe comfortable environment for families to enjoy pre-match entertainment, such as a large screen TVs, Playstation consoles and Table Football, as well as the option to enjoy refreshments from the Zone’s very own kiosk.
A feature wall displaying a packed Big Bank also provides a photo-sharing opportunity using the #jgzone hashtag. There are activities and competitions to suit all junior age groups, from FIFA19 and Table Football tournaments to free Activity Packs for younger children.
The Zone also features a VIP party area and there are several party packages available to book throughout the season.
So, if you are visiting St James Park on a matchday with children, be sure to pop in to the family zone!
New for this season, is the Family Zone 2 in the Stagecoach Adam Stansfield Stand, the astroturfed area includes a photo wall opportunity, table football, and beanbags where children can gather to play games and relax before kick-off.
Matchday timetable
Take a look below to familiarise yourself with the key matchday timings here at St James Park.
For the Adults
Post-match Pint
Make sure you visit the Centre Spot bar after the match, where pints of Thatchers, Carlesberg and Tribute and selected Ales at the FECRACE bar are just £3.
Don't forget Exeter City Supporters' Trust members save 20% off all other drinks!
Other Activities
Signed team sheets will be available for a donation.
You can also pick up some free player stickers, from the Ambassadors, the Information Point and the Tombola Stand.
You can also take part in the Exeter City tombola where the first prize is a signed Exeter City football. All funds raised go directly to the academy to support the future of the club. There are TWO opportunities to pull out number 25 (Jake Taylor!) and win a signed match ball.