Jason Banton's strike on the stroke of half-time ensured the 60th Football League Devon Expressway derby between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City went the way of the Pilgrims.
Veteran striker Jamie Cureton went close for the Grecians, but was unable to find the target as the Pilgrims held on to clinch maximum points for the third league game in succession.
The win moves Argyle closer to the League Two safety mark in 20th place with 46 points, whilst Exeter find themselves occupying 7th place.
Plymouth boss John Sheridan was delighted with the efforts of his players and said: “I’m very pleased. I think we deserved to win. It was a very good performance in a big game, a derby game, against a good team. They are a very good passing team and have had some excellent results away from home, but I thought we kept them quiet for most of the game.
“The first five minutes worried me the most. Full credit to my players: their effort to try to win the game was brilliant – and it has been since I’ve been here.
“We knew we had to get into their faces. If you let them play they are one of the best teams in the division. I would have liked us to pass the ball a little bit more. "
He also admitted that he was slightly envious of them to be playing in such an occasion. He said: "I told them to go out and enjoy the game. I was jealous of them.
"I would love to have played. These are the games you want to be involved in. There were 13,000 here on a sunny day. It killed me watching it."
Grecians boss Paul Tisdale remained philosophical and insisted he would be looking ahead to their Easter Monday encounter with Rochdale.
He said: "What we need to do is to move the next game, we've got six games to go and there's 18 points at stake.
"As much as I feel miserable now, it's good to acknowledge that and understand why and how, and to move to the next game, so when talking about our performance today, we didn't play well enough and we didn't up our game.
"We started well for the first 15 minutes but didn't really find that form for the remainder of the game."
Tomorrow will see Argyle travel to York City, who are currently managed by Sheridan's former Sheffield Wednesday team-mate Nigel Worthington, and Exeter host Rochdale, who former Pilgrims' defender Keith Hill is currently in charge of.
Sunday, 31 March 2013
Friday, 29 March 2013
FOUR TO WATCH
We will now take a look at four players, two from each side, who could have a big part to play in tomorrow's Devon derby clash.
PAUL WOTTON:
Prior to last week's trip to Chesterfield being postponed, veteran midfielder Paul Wotton had netted two penalties in two successive victories over Fleetwood and Southend respectively.
Plymouth-born has achieved an incredible amount during his two spells with his home-town club, he returned for a second spell from Yeovil in January 2012, is currently third on the club's all-time appearance list and, in his first spell, captained Argyle to two titles in his first spell at Home Park.
Could he add scoring the winner in a Devon derby to his list of achievements?
REUBEN REID:
Another player who has returned to Home Park in recent times, Reuben Reid rejoined the Pilgrims on loan during the January transfer window from Yeovil and has recently extended his loan deal until the end of the season.
After leaving Home Park in 2008, Reid has played for Rotherham United, West Bromwich Albion, Peterborough United, Walsall, Oldham Athletic and Yeovil before John Sheridan brought him back to the place where it all began for him.
In the Pilgrims' last league outing against Southend, Reid scored the first goal of his second stint with Argyle and could he follow that up by finding the back of the net against the Grecians.
JAKE GOSLING:
Jake Gosling is a rare commodity amongst the Exeter City squad as he is only player to have scored a winning goal against Plymouth Argyle this season.
Gosling was on target for Dorchester Town, during a loan spell at the Avenue Stadium earlier this season, in the FA Cup first round as the Magpies became the second non-league side in as many years to knock the Pilgrims out of the FA Cup in a tie that televised live to the nation on ESPN.
As well as this, Gosling was also released by the Pilgrims as a 16-year-old, when he was snapped up by the Grecians.
MARK MOLESLEY:
When the two sides last met at St James Park in December, Mark Molesley lined up for the Pilgrims against the Grecians. Tomorrow he is looking to help the Grecians defeat Argyle.
Molesley originally joined the Pilgrims on loan from Bournemouth in November 2012, in a bid to help first team football under his belt after being plagued by injuries.
His loan spell at Home Park came to an end following Argyle's New Year's Day defeat at Bristol Rovers, which saw Carl Fletcher dismissed as manager.
On his return to the Goldsands Stadium, he was released by the Cherries on mutual consent before joining the Grecians as a free agent and he has since proved to be a useful addition to Paul Tisdale's side.
PAUL WOTTON:
Prior to last week's trip to Chesterfield being postponed, veteran midfielder Paul Wotton had netted two penalties in two successive victories over Fleetwood and Southend respectively.
Plymouth-born has achieved an incredible amount during his two spells with his home-town club, he returned for a second spell from Yeovil in January 2012, is currently third on the club's all-time appearance list and, in his first spell, captained Argyle to two titles in his first spell at Home Park.
Could he add scoring the winner in a Devon derby to his list of achievements?
REUBEN REID:
Another player who has returned to Home Park in recent times, Reuben Reid rejoined the Pilgrims on loan during the January transfer window from Yeovil and has recently extended his loan deal until the end of the season.
After leaving Home Park in 2008, Reid has played for Rotherham United, West Bromwich Albion, Peterborough United, Walsall, Oldham Athletic and Yeovil before John Sheridan brought him back to the place where it all began for him.
In the Pilgrims' last league outing against Southend, Reid scored the first goal of his second stint with Argyle and could he follow that up by finding the back of the net against the Grecians.
JAKE GOSLING:
Jake Gosling is a rare commodity amongst the Exeter City squad as he is only player to have scored a winning goal against Plymouth Argyle this season.
Gosling was on target for Dorchester Town, during a loan spell at the Avenue Stadium earlier this season, in the FA Cup first round as the Magpies became the second non-league side in as many years to knock the Pilgrims out of the FA Cup in a tie that televised live to the nation on ESPN.
As well as this, Gosling was also released by the Pilgrims as a 16-year-old, when he was snapped up by the Grecians.
MARK MOLESLEY:
When the two sides last met at St James Park in December, Mark Molesley lined up for the Pilgrims against the Grecians. Tomorrow he is looking to help the Grecians defeat Argyle.
Molesley originally joined the Pilgrims on loan from Bournemouth in November 2012, in a bid to help first team football under his belt after being plagued by injuries.
His loan spell at Home Park came to an end following Argyle's New Year's Day defeat at Bristol Rovers, which saw Carl Fletcher dismissed as manager.
On his return to the Goldsands Stadium, he was released by the Cherries on mutual consent before joining the Grecians as a free agent and he has since proved to be a useful addition to Paul Tisdale's side.
DIAMOND LEAGUE MEETING
Tomorrow's Devon derby encounter between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City will be the 60th league meeting between the two sides.
The priorities for both sides are strikingly different with the Pilgrims needing to win to move further away from the League Two drop zone, whilst the Grecians are looking for victory to cement their promotion credentials, as they are currently 6th at the time of writing, and have one eye on an automatic promotion place.
Both sides respective managers will no doubt be aware of the importance of the game to their supporters as they both possess vast experience of local derbies.
Argyle boss John Sheridan, who is embarking on his first Devon Expressway derby since replacing Carl Fletcher in January, is a veteran of many Steel City clashes between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United during his eight-year tenure as a player at Hillsborough.
The most notable of those he was involved in was the 1993 FA Cup Semi-Final between the two sides, which the Owls won 2-1 thanks to a Chris Waddle strike in extra-time.
Grecians manager Paul Tisdale will be embarking on his 12th Devon derby of his reign at St James Park, and his sixth between Exeter and the Pilgrims.
Of those previous five meetings, Tisdale has only been on the losing side just the once, which at Home Park during the 2010-11 season when Bradley Wright-Phillips netted twice for Argyle in a 2-0 victory.
Overall, it promises to be an exciting encounter that is set to be played in front of an anticipated crowd of 13,000 to 14,000 and, as well as, local bragging rights being at stake, it could also have a part in shaping the destiny of both side's seasons.
The priorities for both sides are strikingly different with the Pilgrims needing to win to move further away from the League Two drop zone, whilst the Grecians are looking for victory to cement their promotion credentials, as they are currently 6th at the time of writing, and have one eye on an automatic promotion place.
Both sides respective managers will no doubt be aware of the importance of the game to their supporters as they both possess vast experience of local derbies.
Argyle boss John Sheridan, who is embarking on his first Devon Expressway derby since replacing Carl Fletcher in January, is a veteran of many Steel City clashes between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United during his eight-year tenure as a player at Hillsborough.
The most notable of those he was involved in was the 1993 FA Cup Semi-Final between the two sides, which the Owls won 2-1 thanks to a Chris Waddle strike in extra-time.
Grecians manager Paul Tisdale will be embarking on his 12th Devon derby of his reign at St James Park, and his sixth between Exeter and the Pilgrims.
Of those previous five meetings, Tisdale has only been on the losing side just the once, which at Home Park during the 2010-11 season when Bradley Wright-Phillips netted twice for Argyle in a 2-0 victory.
Overall, it promises to be an exciting encounter that is set to be played in front of an anticipated crowd of 13,000 to 14,000 and, as well as, local bragging rights being at stake, it could also have a part in shaping the destiny of both side's seasons.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
KNILL POWER
Whilst Rafa Benitez has proved to be an unpopular presence at Stamford Bridge as an interim manager, Alan Knill is a having a positive impact at Plainmoor.
Former Bury and Scunthorpe boss, who is standing in for Martin Ling as interim manager, has guided the Gulls to back-to-back victories over Chesterfield and York City in successive league outings, moving Torquay closer to safety in the process.
Knill's tactical switch to 4-4-2 is beginning to pay dividends for the Gulls as Elliot Benyon, who is currently forming a partnership with leading scorer Rene Howe, scored his first goal since his return to Plainmoor on loan from Southend on Saturday against York.
In the same match, Ryan Jarvis, now deployed on the right wing, scored an unstoppable 25-yard strike to increase his tally to eight for the season.
Knill believes that his side can only improve as they head into the final six matches of the season as they remain a win and a draw away from possibly securing outright safety.
"If we are committed and if we are aggressive and if we are passionate, then we can compete with anyone in the league," said Knill.
"We have six games left and if we can show that for the next six games, we will be ok.
"If we step off it thought-and start thinking that we are better than we are-then that could make things difficult.
"I've not seen the signs that we are getting a little complacent, I've seen signs that we want to get better."
The next challenge for Torquay, over the Easter weekend, is a trip to promotion-chasing Northampton Town at the Sixfields Stadium before they return home to face Capital One cup finalists Bradford City at Plainmoor.
Their next four fixtures see the Gulls travel to title chasers Gillingham, host Edgar Davids' Barnet, head north to Morecambe before testing themselves against Bristol Rovers on the final day at home.
Whether or not Knill remains at Plainmoor for next season, should he lead Torquay to the necessary points they to avoid the trap door which leads to the Blue Square Premier, he will have done enough to ensure that he is held in the same regard as the other architects of the Gulls' great escapes in living memory.
A list that currently features Neil Warnock, Colin Lee and Ian Atkins.
Former Bury and Scunthorpe boss, who is standing in for Martin Ling as interim manager, has guided the Gulls to back-to-back victories over Chesterfield and York City in successive league outings, moving Torquay closer to safety in the process.
Knill's tactical switch to 4-4-2 is beginning to pay dividends for the Gulls as Elliot Benyon, who is currently forming a partnership with leading scorer Rene Howe, scored his first goal since his return to Plainmoor on loan from Southend on Saturday against York.
In the same match, Ryan Jarvis, now deployed on the right wing, scored an unstoppable 25-yard strike to increase his tally to eight for the season.
Knill believes that his side can only improve as they head into the final six matches of the season as they remain a win and a draw away from possibly securing outright safety.
"If we are committed and if we are aggressive and if we are passionate, then we can compete with anyone in the league," said Knill.
"We have six games left and if we can show that for the next six games, we will be ok.
"If we step off it thought-and start thinking that we are better than we are-then that could make things difficult.
"I've not seen the signs that we are getting a little complacent, I've seen signs that we want to get better."
The next challenge for Torquay, over the Easter weekend, is a trip to promotion-chasing Northampton Town at the Sixfields Stadium before they return home to face Capital One cup finalists Bradford City at Plainmoor.
Their next four fixtures see the Gulls travel to title chasers Gillingham, host Edgar Davids' Barnet, head north to Morecambe before testing themselves against Bristol Rovers on the final day at home.
Whether or not Knill remains at Plainmoor for next season, should he lead Torquay to the necessary points they to avoid the trap door which leads to the Blue Square Premier, he will have done enough to ensure that he is held in the same regard as the other architects of the Gulls' great escapes in living memory.
A list that currently features Neil Warnock, Colin Lee and Ian Atkins.
Friday, 22 March 2013
GRECIANS SIGN RODGERS JUNIOR
In a bid to strengthen the Grecians' League Two promotion bid, Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale has snapped up Anton Rodgers, son of Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, on loan.
Rodgers junior arrives at St James Park on a youth loan from his parent club Brighton and Hove Albion and will remain with the Grecians until the end of the season.
He has made one substitute appearance for the Seagullls and has also appeared for the Republic of Ireland at youth level.
Before committing to moving to Exeter, Rodgers sought the advice of his father who spoke highly of Tisdale and his approach to the game.
"I was looking to gain experience and try and get first-team football, so it's one where my dad spoke to Paul Tisdale and they're a footballing team and it suited me perfectly to come," said Rodgers.
"Exeter are doing well and hopefully I can get a couple of games here."
Tisdale has also hinted that he would be keen to bring Rodgers junior to St James Park on a more permanent basis.
"I'd like to think that we could tempt him here one day should we wish," commente Tisdale.
"I'm always looking a year, two years in advance and I'm always looking to build a team."
The signing of Rodgers junior isn't the only connection the Grecians have with the Anfield club as former boss Alex Inglethorpe currently coaches their reserve side.
Rodgers junior arrives at St James Park on a youth loan from his parent club Brighton and Hove Albion and will remain with the Grecians until the end of the season.
He has made one substitute appearance for the Seagullls and has also appeared for the Republic of Ireland at youth level.
Before committing to moving to Exeter, Rodgers sought the advice of his father who spoke highly of Tisdale and his approach to the game.
"I was looking to gain experience and try and get first-team football, so it's one where my dad spoke to Paul Tisdale and they're a footballing team and it suited me perfectly to come," said Rodgers.
"Exeter are doing well and hopefully I can get a couple of games here."
Tisdale has also hinted that he would be keen to bring Rodgers junior to St James Park on a more permanent basis.
"I'd like to think that we could tempt him here one day should we wish," commente Tisdale.
"I'm always looking a year, two years in advance and I'm always looking to build a team."
The signing of Rodgers junior isn't the only connection the Grecians have with the Anfield club as former boss Alex Inglethorpe currently coaches their reserve side.
RENEWING ACQUAINTANCES
This weekend's latest installment of the battle for League Two survival will see some of the staff of Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United face their former employers.
Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan will be facing his former club Chesterfield who he guided to promotion from League Two in the 2010-11 season. Sheridan then led to Johnstone's Paint Trophy glory in the following campaign before his departure earlier this season.
Two of his former backroom staff at the Proact Stadium, assistant manager Tommy Wright and goalkeeping coach Marc Crossley, are currently working under his successor Paul Cook.
New Torquay United coach Chris Brass, who recently joined the Gulls coaching team to work alongside manager Alan Knill, will be facing one of his former side's in a relegation battlle at Plainmoor.
Brass, who also had a loan spell at Plainmoor during the 1994-95 season, spent five years with the Minstermen and was installed as captain on his arrival. His stint with York also included a spell as player-manager during the 2003-04 campaign where he was unable to prevent York from being relegated to the Conference.
Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan will be facing his former club Chesterfield who he guided to promotion from League Two in the 2010-11 season. Sheridan then led to Johnstone's Paint Trophy glory in the following campaign before his departure earlier this season.
Two of his former backroom staff at the Proact Stadium, assistant manager Tommy Wright and goalkeeping coach Marc Crossley, are currently working under his successor Paul Cook.
New Torquay United coach Chris Brass, who recently joined the Gulls coaching team to work alongside manager Alan Knill, will be facing one of his former side's in a relegation battlle at Plainmoor.
Brass, who also had a loan spell at Plainmoor during the 1994-95 season, spent five years with the Minstermen and was installed as captain on his arrival. His stint with York also included a spell as player-manager during the 2003-04 campaign where he was unable to prevent York from being relegated to the Conference.
Monday, 18 March 2013
HILLY TAKES CHARGE AT TIVVY
During his 11-year stay at Torquay United, Kevin Hill played under ten different managers.
This list includes a vast array of different characters with different styles of playing the game ranging from Leroy Rosenior to Ian Atkins to Wes Saunders.
This week sees the Gulls’ record appearance holder undertake his first solo managerial role as caretaker manager of Evo-Stik Southern League side Tiverton Town, following the departure of Mark Saunders and Hedley Steele, when Tivvy face Paulton Rovers at Ladysmead.
Hilly previously took on a brief managerial role as he briefly took charge of Dorchester Town as part of a trio with Gareth Stewart and Mark Jermyn during the 2008-09 season-following the departure of Shaun Brooks.
He is also only third member of the Gulls’ 2003-04 automatic promotion winning squad to enter non-league management. David Woozley briefly took charge of Crawley Town during their days in the Conference and Lee Canoville has had a spell as manager of Boston United.
Other members of that side have entered coaching-Alex Russell is currently employed as Under-21 development coach at Bristol City and Jason Fowler has coached at Cardiff City youth set-up.
Kevin Dearden is also involved in coaching at Football League level with Leyton Orient where he carries out the dual roles of goalkeeper coach and Chief Scout.
Members of the Yellow Army who saw him make the vast majority, if not all, of his 474 appearances for Torquay in all competitions, a list which includes League One, League Two, the Conference, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, the FA Trophy and the Setanta Shield, will be following the progress in his new role with keen interest.
This list includes a vast array of different characters with different styles of playing the game ranging from Leroy Rosenior to Ian Atkins to Wes Saunders.
This week sees the Gulls’ record appearance holder undertake his first solo managerial role as caretaker manager of Evo-Stik Southern League side Tiverton Town, following the departure of Mark Saunders and Hedley Steele, when Tivvy face Paulton Rovers at Ladysmead.
Hilly previously took on a brief managerial role as he briefly took charge of Dorchester Town as part of a trio with Gareth Stewart and Mark Jermyn during the 2008-09 season-following the departure of Shaun Brooks.
He is also only third member of the Gulls’ 2003-04 automatic promotion winning squad to enter non-league management. David Woozley briefly took charge of Crawley Town during their days in the Conference and Lee Canoville has had a spell as manager of Boston United.
Other members of that side have entered coaching-Alex Russell is currently employed as Under-21 development coach at Bristol City and Jason Fowler has coached at Cardiff City youth set-up.
Kevin Dearden is also involved in coaching at Football League level with Leyton Orient where he carries out the dual roles of goalkeeper coach and Chief Scout.
Members of the Yellow Army who saw him make the vast majority, if not all, of his 474 appearances for Torquay in all competitions, a list which includes League One, League Two, the Conference, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, the FA Trophy and the Setanta Shield, will be following the progress in his new role with keen interest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)