Sunday 3 April 2016

WATKINS AT THE DOUBLE FOR GRECIANS

If Devon Expressway derbies between Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle are played for another 100 years, the day when Ollie Watkins netted twice in the last ten minutes for the Grecians will still be talked about for the whole of that time.

The Pilgrims looked to have done enough to take all three points when Jamille Matt netted his third goal in as many games, but City starlet Watkins equalised with a long range effort, which beat Argyle keeper Luke McCormick at his near post, before adding a second deep in injury time with a wonder strike that found the top corner.

It was a result that could be a destiny defining game for both sides, as the result saw the Pilgrims drop out of the top three and moved the Grecians to within two points of the Play-off zone.

As well as being the 66th league meeting between the two sides, it was also their third meeting of the current campaign and there is now the increased possibility that number could rise to five if they were to meet each other again in the Play-offs.

In most seasons in League Two, 70 points is usually enough for secure a Play-off place and 80 points is normally the amount required to obtain an automatic promotion berth.

At the time of writing, the Grecians are currently in 10th with 59 points - so therefore would require at least another 11 points from their remaining six league matches to seal a top seven finish. Argyle, on the other hand, are in fourth place with 71 points - and are only kept out of the top three on goal difference by Bristol Rovers.

Another 11 points for the Pilgrims could also be enough to ensure them of a return to League One without having to go through the lottery of the Play-offs.

Argyle's next two fixtures include a home encounter with AFC Wimbledon who - like Exeter - are also chasing a Play-off position and a 'Dockyard Derby' with Portsmouth at Fratton Park, who also have a good chance of achieving automatic promotion themselves - and these two fixtures could go a long way to deciding their end of season fate.