THE MOST IMPORTANT DEVON DERBY EVER

 Plymouth Argyle manager Tom Cleverley's last experience of a Devon derby turned out to be something of a 'baptism of fire' as the Pilgrims lost 2-0 to Exeter City at St James Park last October. 

Now, with Argyle heading into what is being billed as 'the most important Devon Derby ever' - Cleverley, who recently won the League One manager of the month award for March 2026, has the chance to write his own chapter in the history of the fixture. 

The Pilgrims are currently seventh in the League One table with 62 points from 41 games, and a win over the Grecians would propel them towards the play-offs. 

By contrast, City head into the fixture in search of three points for very different reasons; they are occupying 21st place after winning only once in their last 16 fixtures, which came in their Easter Bank Holiday win over Doncaster Rovers, and badly need the victory to avoid relegation to League Two. During their barren run, they also changed managers as Matt Taylor returned to the club on an interim basis, following the departure of Gary Caldwell to Wigan Athletic. 

However, in derby matches form can often go out of the window, which the Grecians can take a crumb of comfort from. 

Nevertheless, history is in favour of the Pilgrims, who emerged as winners in this fixture 38 times compared to the Grecians 30 - the remaining 26 have ended in draws. 

With the game kicking off at 12.30pm, either side will be able to enjoy the satisfaction of an improved league position for a couple of hours. 

One thing that both sides can agree on is that any less than three points may not be enough for either sides 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS BATH CITY

 1. The Dylan Morgan Show

It proved to be the Dylan Morgan for Torquay United as the United winger netted the first hat-trick of his senior career for the Gulls against Bath City. 

After Jordan Alves cancelled out Reece Evans' opener, United restored their lead in the 34th minute when Sonny Blu Lo-Everton played a corner short to Morgan, who played a neat one-two with skipper Matt Worthington before his cross evaded everyone in the box before nestling into the top corner. 

Three minutes after the re-start, United added a third when Jay Foulston won a challenge on the left-hand side and fed Morgan, who raced down the wing before cutting inside to fire past Binns with a right-footed strike. The goal took Morgan's total for the season to ten. 

In the 59th minute, the Gulls made it four for the afternoon when Worthington played a ball down the right which picked out Deon Moore, and his cross found Dan Hayfield who saw his shot blocked before the rebound fell invitingly to Morgan who fired home to complete his treble. 

Morgan’s haul now takes his tally for the season to 11, leaving four behind joint-leading scorers Jordan Young and Louis Dennis. 

2. Reece Evans' first goal for the club. 

After making his first start for the Gulls against Weston Super Mare on Good Friday, Reading loanee Reece Evans opened his goal scoring account for United in the 11th minute. 

Right-back Will Tizzard’s ball into the midfield found Reading loanee Reece Evans, who then ran at the Bath defence and found the back of the net with a shot from the edge of the area that took a deflection before flying past Romans’ keeper Charlie Binns. 

With Cody Cooke out of the season with a shoulder injury, United manager Jimmy Ball now has the choice of calling upon either Evans or short term signing Deon Moore. 

3. A first glimpse of Charlie Osborne. 

Monday's clash also gave the Plainmoor faithful the first glimpse of new loan signing Charlie Osborne from AFC Bournemouth. Osborne had previously played under Jimmy Ball at AFC Totton and he made his bow for the Gulls in the 56th minute in place of right-back Will Tizzard. 

4. Old boys on show. 

As well as United assistant manager lining up in the opposite dug out against the team who dismissed him earlier this season, there were also a number of connections between the two clubs out on the pitch. 

For the Gulls, Jordan Dyer and Dan Hayfield lined up against their former clubs, whilst ex-Gulls' Ollie Tomlinson and Will Jenkins Davies featured for the Romans. 

Disappointingly for Jenkins Davies, who was born in Torquay and had two loan spells with United from Plymouth Argyle in 2023-24 and 2024-25, his afternoon ended early as he went off injured after four minutes. 

5. It remains tight at the top. 

United's win over the Romans moves Jimmy Ball's side up to third in the table, four points behind leaders Worthing, who overtook Dorking Wanderers after beating them 2-1 at the Meadowbank Stadium to lead them on goal difference. 

The Gulls are level on points with Ebbsfleet United, but are ahead of them by virtue of goal difference. Hornchurch trail them by a point in fifth with 73, after they lost 5-4 away to Maidstone United, and Maidenhead United and Hemel Hempstead Town make up the remainder of the top seven with 72 points. 

Last season, only three points separated the top six and it looks like as though that could be the case again in 2025-26. 

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE FRIDAY

 Good Friday 2026 proved to be a mixed bag for South West sides, as their fortunes turned out to be varied. 

Torquay United enjoyed the most success on the day as they came away from Weston Super Mare's Optima Stadium with a 3-0 win over the Seagulls. 

The Gulls took the lead on 15 minutes when skipper Matt Worthington curled home his third goal of the campaign from the edge of the penalty area after being teed up by loanee Reece Evans. In the second half, United's win was confirmed in the second half when sub Louis Dennis netted a quick fire brace, with fellow sub Sonny Blu Lo-Everton provided the assists for both efforts. 

It was also the first time that United have secured back-to-back wins under new manager Jimmy Ball. 

Plymouth Argyle's play-off hopes in League One suffered a blow as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to fellow play-off hopefuls Bolton Wanderers, who spent the majority of the game playing with ten men. 

Bolton were reduced to ten two minutes before half-time when John McAtee received a straight red card. However, despite their numerical disadvantage, the Trotters took the lead from the penalty spot when Johnny Kenny converted from the spot on 49 minutes after the Pilgrims' Mathias Ross was penalised for a hand ball. 

Argyle drew level in the 57th minute when Ronan Curtis latched onto a through ball from Herbie Kane before slotting home. Nevertheless, Bolton found a winner in bizarre circumstances on 70 minutes as the Pilgrims' Malachi Boateng turned the ball into his own net, which ultimately proved to be the difference. 

At the other end of the table in League One, Exeter City find themselves three points from safety following a 1-0 loss to relegation rivals Blackpool at Bloomfield Road. Tom Bloxham scored the decisive goal for the Tangerines in the 29th minute - extending the Grecians' winless run to 15 games - a decline that interim manager Matt Taylor hasn't been able to halt since he returned to St James Park in the wake of Gary Caldwell's departure to Wigan Athletic. 

Truro City's stay in the fifth tier will be coming to an end after the Tinners lost 1-0 to Yeovil Town at Huish Park. A late solo effort from Will Merry secured the win for the Glovers, who move into mid-table. 

WHEN APPROACHING THE PLAY-OFFS - MOMENTUM IS EVERYTHING

 It is often that the end of season play-offs are a lottery, but there is one magic word beginning with 'M' that can help clubs negotiate them - momentum. 

Very often, history has shown us that the hangover of missing out on automatic promotion can end up being carried over into the end of season showdown by some clubs. It has also shown that other teams who make a late charge to reach them can end up claiming the bounty on offer and go on to win promotion. 

This has proved to be the case when Torquay United have enjoyed successful play-off campaigns in the past. 

In the 1990-91 season, John Impey took over a side that had dropped into mid-table, after previously leading the Fourth Division table under Dave Smith. The Gulls then went on a six-match unbeaten run, which included a 5-0 win over Aldershot. 

A 2-1 final day win against York City sealed United's place in the play-offs, where they would face Burnley over two legs. Goals from Dean Edwards and Matt Elliott secured a 2-1 win over the Clarets at Plainmoor lost the return leg at Turf Moor 1-0 courtesy of a Stewart Evans own goal to set a final with Blackpool at Wembley. 

The Tangerines, in their first appearance at Wembley since the 1953 'Matthews' FA Cup final against Bolton Wanderers, took the lead through Paul Groves before Wes Saunders headed home a cross from Mark Loram to equalise. A penalty from Edwards gave the Gulls the lead from the penalty spot, which was later cancelled out by an unfortunate own goal by Chris Curran - ending the game into extra time. 

After extra time, the game headed to penalties, which both sides missing their first spot-kicks (Loram for the Gulls and Tony Rodwell for the Tangerines). Each team then converted all four of their next penalties (Micky Holmes, Paul Holmes, Saunders and Chris Myers for the Gulls) - sending the shoot-out to sudden death. 

United goalkeeper Gareth Howells then seized the initiative and stepped up to become the first keeper to save and score a penalty at Wembley (he had saved Rodwell's earlier effort for Blackpool). The Tangerines' veteran striker David Bamber then fluffed his lines with Blackpool's next spot-kick, which mean that the Gulls became the first side to win a play-off final on penalties at Wembley. 

Eighteen years later, and in a different division, Paul Buckle was looking to mastermind a return to the Football League for the Gulls at the second time of asking in the 2008-09 campaign

United had missed out in the play-offs in 2007-08 in the semi-finals to local rivals Exeter City after spending most of the season battling it out for the title with Aldershot Town. 

Whereas the Gulls had lost three of their last four going into the play-offs in 2007-08, which also included three defeats, they were unbeaten in their last four - including a final 2-1 win at Plainmoor against eventual champions Burton Albion - going into the 2008-09 play-offs where Cambridgeshire part-time outfit Histon lay in wait. 

Just as in 1990-91, United won their first leg at Plainmoor 2-0, with goals from Tim Sill and Nicky Wroe. Also in keeping with their 1990-91 display, they lost the second leg 1-0 to go through to the final 2-1 on aggregate where Cambridge United awaiting them. 

Cambridge themselves had missed out on the title on the final to Burton, and it was the Gulls who took the lead in the first half as captain Chris Hargreaves struck. The U's were later reduced to ten men when Paul Bolland was sent off, and it was then left to Sills to famously head home Wayne Carlisle's to put the icing on the cake for United - as they returned to the Football League. 

Parallels can be drawn in 2025-26 with the Gulls' 2008-09 campaign, as they were also looking to win promotion a year on from missing out in the play-offs just as United are now under Jimmy Ball. There is also similarity with the change in manager, with Ball replacing Paul Wotton just as Impey replaced Smith in 1991. 

With six games to go, the message that yours truly would have for the Plainmoor faithful - fasten your seal belts because it's going to be quite a ride!

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HORSHAM

 1. The first win of Jimmy Ball's reign. 

After a defeat at Dagenham and Redbridge and a draw with league leaders Dorking Wanderers at Plainmoor, Torquay United secured their first win under Jimmy Ball with victory at home to Horsham. 

Dylan Morgan's eighth of the campaign and an own goal that was initially credited to Jordan Dyer 

The result moves the Gulls up one place to fifth in the table as they head into their Easter holiday fixtures with Weston Supe Mare and Bath City. 

2. A first clean sheet of 2026. 

United also kept their first clean sheet of 2026, and their first since drawing 0-0 with Bath City, then managed by Jimmy Ball's assistant Darren Way, on December 28 at Twerton Park. 

With centre back duo Jordan Dyer and Sam Dreyer now returned to full fitness, it was their second game in a row that they have played together as a partnership since their returns from their respective injuries. 

Now that they have returned to the side, they can help form part of a strong defensive base for United's attacking players. 

3. Matt's worthy display. 

Central midfielder Matt Worthington was United's sole change to the side that drew 2-2 with Dorking Wanderers in midweek, and he was also handed the captain's armband by Ball. 

He then went on to produce a solid display, in which he seldom wasted a pass and made a number of most interceptions, in centre midfield alongside Dan Hayfield who also had a good game himself. 

Worthington is one of several players in the current United squad that Ball has worked with before, he signed him as a teenager for Southampton's academy, and he will be wanting to show the Plainmoor faithful more of his ability. 

4. Dylan Morgan up to eight. 

Dylan Morgan opened the scoring for the Gulls in the eighth when he slotted home a low drive after playing an incisive one-two with Dan Hayfield to score his eighth goal of the campaign. 

However, in his post-match interview with BBC Radio Devon's Paul Mulhern, Jimmy Ball said that he believed that Morgan should be on double figures - somewhere in the region of 12-15. Nevertheless, there is still time for Morgan to reach that mark this season. 

5. The top of the National League South remains as close as ever. 

The latest round of National League South results were as unpredictable as ever. Worthing and Hornchurch both drew whilst in-form Hemel Hempstead's winning run came to an end again leaders Dorking Wanderers. Ebbsfleet United started the day level on points with the Gulls, and remain level with them after coming from behind to win 2-1 Slough Town and remain so. 

United's opponents on Good Friday, Weston Super Mare, secured a 2-1 over fellow Play-off hopefuls Maidenhead United. 

By 5pm on Easter Monday, we will have a clearer picture of how the end of the season will pan out. 
                                                                                                                                                  

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DORKING WANDERERS

 1. The ball starts rolling for Jimmy. 

Jimmy Ball's first introduction to Plainmoor faithful ended up being an entertaining 2-2 draw with league leaders Dorking Wanderers in front of a crowd of just over 3,900 in what was 'a great advert for National League South.' 

Many of the Plainmoor faithful would have taken a point beforehand, but, at the same time, would probably have returned home feeling slightly disappointed not to have taken all three - especially after the introduction of Callum Dolan (see number two) and Louis Dennis from the sub's bench. 

It certainly would have made up for some of the disappoint at losing his first game in charge against Dagenham and Redbridge. 

However, with another home game to look forward to on Saturday against Horsham, United have another shot at securing their first three points under Ball's reign. 

2. Callum Dolan's return. 

In a season where he has suffered two serious injuries as well as being handed a five-match suspension for an off-the-field incident, Callum Dolan rose from the sub's bench on 65 minutes to almost single-handedly win the match for the Gulls on his own. 

Dolan replaced Dylan Morgan and within 13 minutes of coming on he struck to pull the Gulls level and then, a minute later, he volleyed home a cross from Jordan Young to give United a 2-1 lead. 

However, the Gulls were undone by a ball from the right from Kai Enslin which took a deflection off Sam Dreyer that took it past on loan keeper Seb Stacey to level matters. 

Nevertheless, Dolan later drew a stunning save from Dorking keeper Harrison Foulkes, which denied him a hat-trick, but his goal tally for the season stands at five - and it's highly likely that he will add to that total behind now and the season's end. 

3. Deon is Moore the merrier. 

Tuesday night's game also gave the Plainmoor faithful their first glimpse of Jimmy Ball's first signing for the Gulls - striker Deon Moore. 

After a promising debut away to Dagenham and Redbridge, former Maidstone forward Moore worked hard and led the line well. 

On eight minutes, he teed up Jordan Young for a chance which could have altered the course of the game had it gone in, but leading scorer Young somehow contrived to hit the side netting. 

Late on, he attempted to lob Harrison Foulkes - but he was denied by an off-the-line clearance, but Gulls' fans could go home happy safe in the knowledge that they have found a suitable replacement for the injured Cody Cooke until the end of the campaign. 

4. Returning players. 

One of the big positives for Jimmy Ball heading into Tuesday's encounter was that he had a full bench to choose from. Loanee centre back Will Tizzard returned from suspension to fill in at right-back and Sam Dreyer also made a return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench at Dagenham and Redbridge. 

Also returning to take their place on the sub's bench were Jordan Thomas, Callum Dolan and Louis Dennis. Dennis also made an impact after coming on for Matt Jay late on as he cleared the cross bar in the dying minutes of the game, which would have been his 14th goal of the season had it gone in. 

5. United are still in contention. 

After Tuesday night's results, the battle for promotion from National League South remains as open as ever. Dorking are now four points clear at the top of the table with 75, ahead of Worthing with 71. Hemel Hempstead Town are third with 70, a point clear of fourth placed Hornchurch who are on 69. 

The Gulls, meanwhile, are sixth in the table with 65 points, level with fifth placed Maidenhead United and seventh placed Ebbsfleet United - but only separated by goal difference. 

THE SON OF A WORLD CUP WINNER

 After much speculation linking names such as Paul Tisdale and Kevin Nicholson to the vacancy, former AFC Totton manager Jimmy Ball was appointed as the permanent successor to Paul Wotton as Torquay United manager. 

Neil Warnock had briefly had a spell as interim manager, assisted by his trusted lieutenant Ronnie Jepson, but Ball has now been entrusted with leading the Gulls' charge towards the play-offs and a return to the National League. 

The son of 1966 World Cup winner Alan, Jimmy Ball has fashioned a promising coaching career, which included spells as caretaker manager of Forest Green Rovers, which saw him win four games out of eight, and assistant manager of Stevenage before taking charge of Hampshire-based side Totton. 

After a successful playing career, which also included a title win with Everton in 69-70, as part of the midfield holy trinity alongside Colin Harvey and the late Howard Kendall and a 'double' win with Arsenal in 70-71, Ball senior had a mixed career as a manager, which included promotion to the top-flight with Portsmouth in 86-87 and relegation from the Premier League with Manchester City in 95-96. 

However, Ball junior has carved out a decent reputation of his own, particularly with a spell in charge of AFC Totton that saw him win two promotion in three seasons prior to the start of the current campaign. 

He also has had a brief taste of Football League management on CV with Forest Green in April 2021, in between the departure of Mark Cooper and the arrival of current Wolves boss Rob Edwards, and if he can get the Gulls punching at their weight, then he can put himself within a shot of adding to those appearances. 

United's first game of his reign didn't quite go to plan as they lost 1-0 away to Dagenham and Redbridge, but with two successive home games coming up against league leaders Dorking Wanderers and Horsham Ball has a chance to put down a marker heading into the final stages of the campaign.