When Exeter City hosted Plymouth Argyle at St James Park on , the Devon Derby turned into a 2‑0 triumph that could reshape the fight for survival in Sky Bet League One. Gary Caldwell, the Exeter City manager, watched his side break the deadlock in the 19th minute through Reece Cole and double the lead at the hour mark with Akeel Higgins. The win not only netted three points but also delivered the first derby victory for the Grecians since 2019, sending a surge of optimism through a crowd that was officially sold out.
- Result: Exeter City 2 – 0 Plymouth Argyle
- Date & Time: 23 Oct 2025, 20:00 UTC
- Venue: St James Park, Exeter
- Scorers: Reece Cole (19'), Akeel Higgins (58')
- League Impact: Exeter move to 16 points; Plymouth linger at 13
Background to the Devon Derby
The rivalry between Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle stretches back more than a century, but in recent years it has become a barometer for each club’s fortunes in the third tier. Both sides entered the October meeting perched in the bottom half of the League One table – Exeter with five wins, one draw and eight defeats (16 points), Plymouth a shade behind with four wins, one draw and eight losses (13 points). The last encounter in April 2023 had ended in a 1‑1 stalemate, leaving fans hungry for a decisive result.
Historically, the derby has produced memorable moments: the 4‑0 thrashing in 2019, where Nicky Law scored a brace, remains the most lopsided scoreline. That match reinforced Exeter’s identity as the “Red” side of Devon, while Plymouth’s “Green” supporters have long claimed the title of the county’s most passionate fanbase. The upcoming clash was therefore billed as a make‑or‑break night for two clubs fighting to escape the relegation zone.
Matchday Details
The atmosphere at St James Park was electric. Ticket sales had closed weeks earlier, and the stadium reached capacity of roughly 8,700. The Grecian chant “The Big Bank” echoed through the stands, a nod to the club’s nickname and a reminder that home support can be a twelfth man.
Exeter lined up with goalkeeper Joseph Whitworth between the sticks, a back four of Ed Turns, Jack Fitzwater, Pierce Sweeney and Jack McMillan, and a midfield anchored by Ilmari Niskanen and Ethan Brierley. Early substitutions – Luca Woodhouse for Danny Andrew in the 20th minute and Josh Magennis for Jayden Wareham at 27 – hinted at tactical tweaks aimed at controlling the tempo.
Plymouth’s starting XI was less clearly documented, but the match report notes a flurry of corner kicks and a high number of shots on target, suggesting a team that struggled to convert chances. The first half remained tight until Reece Cole’s low drive slipped past the Argyle keeper at the 19th minute, sparking a wave of exhilaration among the home fans.
Exeter doubled its lead in the 58th minute when Akeel Higgins met a cross with a crisp finish, cementing the advantage. Plymouth managed a handful of corners in the latter stages but could not break the deadlock. Two yellows were handed to Exeter players for dissent, while Argyle’s discipline record stayed intact.
Key Performances
Reece Cole’s strike was a textbook example of timing and positioning. His movement behind the defensive line opened a lane for the ball, and a quick touch set up the finish that left the goalkeeper stranded.
Akeel Higgins, often deployed as a winger, showed why his pace is valued. His goal came from a well‑timed run down the right flank, culminating in a cross that found him unmarked in the box. The tally pushed his season total to three league goals, a respectable figure for a player still adapting to League One.
Goalkeeper Joseph Whitworth earned praise for a series of saves in the second half, particularly a reflex stop from a Plymouth corner that could have equalised. His confidence helped keep the clean sheet intact.
Reactions from Managers and Fans
After the final whistle, Gary Caldwell addressed the post‑match press conference. "Winning the derby is everything for the fans and the club," he said. "We showed the best of Devon – the passion, the intensity, and a bit of that extra yard of confidence that only a sold‑out night can give. The players fed off the atmosphere and deserved the three points. We'll build on this and keep fighting for survival."
Plymouth’s manager, who chose to remain anonymous in the official club statement, admitted disappointment but remained optimistic. "We created chances, we had the ball, but football is cruel on nights like these," he noted. "The squad learned a lot, and those lessons will be vital as we head into our next game against Mansfield Town."
Fans from both sides flooded social media with mixed emotions. Exeter supporters posted videos of the jubilant crowd chanting “Red Devon”, while Plymouth fans expressed frustration, using the hashtag #WeWillRise to rally support for the upcoming fixtures.
Implications for the League Race
Exeter’s three points lift them to 16 after 13 games, still five points clear of the relegation zone but barely ahead of a cluster of teams fighting to avoid the drop. The win also narrows the gap to the playoff‑contending clubs, who sit around 30 points at this stage.
Plymouth, meanwhile, remains stuck at 13 points, sharing the bottom five with three other clubs. Their next match against Mansfield Town on 28 Oct 2025 becomes a must‑win if they hope to claw their way out of the danger zone. The derby loss has also highlighted defensive frailties – they conceded 40 goals in 13 matches, the second‑worst record in the division.
Analysts from Sky Sports point out that derbies often act as “reset buttons”. “When local pride is on the line, teams can either over‑perform or crumble,” said former player‑turned‑pundit Jamie Carragher. “Exeter clearly over‑performed; Plymouth will need to regroup quickly.”
Looking Ahead
Exeter’s schedule now includes a home clash with Mansfield Town on 28 Oct 2025, followed by a journey to Sheffield Wednesday. The manager hinted that the squad will be rotated to keep key players fresh for the busy December fixture list.
Plymouth’s calendar is packed with away trips, starting with the Mansfield game and then a test against league leaders Sunderland in early November. Their recruitment director has already confirmed talks with a seasoned centre‑back aiming to shore up the defence.
For now, the Devon Derby will be remembered as a night when the home crowd turned the tide, delivering an uplifting win that could very well define Exeter City’s season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Derby result affect Exeter City's league position?
The 2‑0 victory lifts Exeter City to 16 points after 13 matches, moving them five points clear of the automatic relegation spots. While still in the bottom half, the three points create a small buffer and boost morale for the upcoming fixtures.
What were the key moments that decided the match?
Reece Cole’s opening goal in the 19th minute broke the deadlock, and Akeel Higgins’ second‑half strike at 58 minutes doubled the lead. Both goals came from quick transitions that caught Plymouth Argyle’s defence out of position.
Who are the standout performers for Exeter City?
Beyond the scorers, goalkeeper Joseph Whitworth made several crucial saves, while midfielder Ilmari Niskanen helped control possession in the midfield. Their combined effort kept Plymouth’s attacks at bay.
What does Plymouth Argyle need to do to bounce back?
Plymouth must tighten their defence – they have conceded 40 goals in 13 games – and convert the chances they create. The upcoming match against Mansfield Town offers a chance to earn three points and close the gap to safety.
When is the next Derby scheduled?
The next Devon Derby is set for the 2026‑27 season, with dates yet to be confirmed by the English Football League. Both clubs will likely aim to schedule it as a prime‑time fixture given the high demand demonstrated in 2025.
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