Goals from Reece Cole and Akeel Higgins secured the first Devon Derby win of the season in front of a packed-out Big Bank.
Gary Caldwell named just the one change from the side that suffered a narrow loss away at the hands of Stockport County the Saturday before, with Akeel Higgins returning to the starting XI in place of Josh Magennis.
Plymouth’s Tom Cleverley, however, named four changes from his side that lost at home to AFC Wimbledon, with Jamie Paterson, Brendan Galloway, Matthew Sorinola and Aribim Pepple introduced to the XI.
First Half
City started brightly, with a ball falling to Danny Andrew on the edge of the box in just the first minute, who’s shot was blazed over the bar much to the delight of the travelling Pilgrims. A free kick for the visitors soon later ended up with the ball in the back of the net, before the linesman’s flag was risen and the goal ruled out.
After a period of Argyle possession, an attack from City ended with Jayden Wareham running through on goal, before a deflected shot would go out for the first City corner of the match. The corner was initially cleared, before Reece Cole reclaimed possession on the edge of the box before winding up a shot that forced Hazard to tip it over the cross bar.
In the search for his first goal of the season, Ilmari Niskanen produced the most threatening shot of the goal yet, his driven effort clattering the Argyle post before being cleared away from danger.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 18th minute, with an error at the back from Argyle resulting in Hazard’s failed clearance landing at the feet of Reece Cole, who makes no mistake in poking it home and giving the Grecians the lead.
Argyle looked close to equalising in the closing stages of the first half. A dangerous ball that City were unable to clear from the area was headed for the Grecian net, before Joe Whitworth was able to tip the ball over the bar at full stretch. That would turn out to be the last of the chances for the first half, with the referee blowing up soon after.
Second Half
City once again came out of the block strongly, with Jayden Wareham’s cross on the edge of the box falling to Jack McMillan whose shot was fired over the crossbar and into the stands.
The hosts went on the hunt for a second as the game approached the hour mark. A ball from Ethan Brierley played into Akeel Higgins put him through on goal, where he cheekily chipped Hazard and put the Grecians two up in front of an ecstatic Big Bank.
Minutes later, Reece Cole played a sumptuous ball into the feet of Higgins on the edge of the box. Hazard was counting his lucky stars, as City’s number 17 was unable to produce a shot on target this time as the ball veered into the Big Bank and away from danger.
City made their first change on the 70th minute, as Jayden Wareham made way for Josh Magennis, and Akeel Higgins came off Aitchison. More changes would follow in the 83rd minute, as opening goalscorer Reece Cole left the pitch in place of Kevin McDonald.
The 95th minute saw the referee finally blow the full-time whistle, confirming a first Devon Derby win for Gary Caldwell, and a first Derby win for the team since October 2019.
Devon. Is. Red.
Up Next:
Vertu Trophy action returns to St James Park on Tuesday, 28th October as The Grecians take on Arsenal U21s in their second group of the tournament. A win on Tuesday could move the team into the qualification spots, so it’s all for play for.
Exeter City Starting XI:
Whitworth (GK), Niskanen, Sweeney (C), Fitzwater, Turns, Andrew (Woodhouse 93’), Brierley, McMillan, Cole (McDonald 84’), Higgins (Aitchison 71’), Wareham (Magennis 70’)
Unused Exeter City Substitutes:
Bycroft (GK), Oakes, Wilson
Plymouth Argyle Starting XI:
Hazard (GK), Galloway, Mitchell (Ross 46’), Wiredu (Dale 71’), Boateng, Sorinala, Edwards (Mumba 61’), Paterson, Ibrahim (Roberts 81’), Pepple (Oseni 81’), Tolaj
Unused Plymouth Argyle Substitutes:
Ashby-Hammond (GK), Szucs
Attendance: 8,262 including 1132 from Plymouth Argyle.