When Exeter City edged out Plymouth Argyle 2-0 at St James Park on Thursday, 23 October 2025, the Devon Derby felt like a script written for the local fans.
That evening, the kickoff came at 20:00 UTC, and by the 18th minute Reece Cole had already put the home side ahead, a goal that would set the tone for a night of gritty defending and a late seal.
Historical Background of the Devon Derby
The rivalry between Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle dates back to the early 20th century, with both clubs fighting for bragging rights across Devon’s rolling hills. Over the past decade the fixture has produced memorable moments – from dramatic last‑minute winners to hard‑won clean sheets. In the 2025‑26 League One season, both sides entered the match on identical records: 4 wins, 1 draw, and 8 or 7 losses respectively, each perched on 13 points.
Match Details and Key Moments
Exeter lined up in a 4‑3‑3, with Joseph Whitworth guarding the net, while Ed Turns marshaled the back line. Midfield saw Jack McMillan pulling the strings, and the attack featured Jayden Wareham flanking forward Akeel Higgins.
The early minutes saw Plymouth pressing high, earning a set‑piece chance just 104 seconds in. By the 125‑second mark, commentators noted a loose ball that "asked a lot of questions" before Exeter’s Pierce Sweeney cleared the danger at 134 seconds. The match’s first real spark arrived when Jack McMillan delivered a teasing pass to Cole, who slotted home from inside the box.
Exeter doubled the lead in the 63rd minute. After a sustained spell of possession – 58% overall – a swift move saw Wareham thread a ball to Reece Cole again, but this time the striker’s low strike found the net after beating the Argyle keeper on the line.
Post‑Match Reactions
Manager Matt Taylor could not hide his delight: "We knew we could win the derby at home. The boys gave everything, and those two goals show the character we’ve been building."
On the Argyle side, captain James Collins admitted frustration but praised his squad: "It hurts, but we’ll learn from this. The Devon Derby is always a battle, and we’ll be back stronger."
Statistical Snapshot
- Final Score: Exeter City 2 – 0 Plymouth Argyle
- Possession: Exeter 58% – 42% Plymouth
- Shots on Target: Exeter 7 – 3 Plymouth
- Corners: Exeter 6 – 4 Plymouth
- Points after match: Exeter 16 – Plymouth 13
Implications for the League One Table
With the win, Exeter climbed to 14th place, three points clear of the relegation zone, while Plymouth slipped to 16th, intensifying the battle for survival as the season heads toward its crucial spring phase. The next fixtures – Exeter versus Mansfield Town on 28 October and Plymouth against Charlton Athletic on 30 October – will be pivotal.
Broadcast and Fan Engagement
The full replay was uploaded on Exeter City FC’s official website on 24 October, titled "BIG DERBY DAY WIN! | Exeter City v Plymouth Argyle" and also streamed on Sky Sports under the headline "Exeter 2‑0 Plymouth | League One Highlights". Social media buzz saw the hashtag #DevonDerby trending locally, with over 5,000 fan posts within the first hour of the highlight release.
Looking Ahead: Managerial Turbulence in League One
The derby took place amidst a wave of managerial changes across the division – Jack Wilshere’s surprise appointment at Luton, Demetri Mitchell’s AI‑aided move to Leyton Orient, and Steve Bruce’s sacking at Blackpool. Exeter’s steadying under Taylor could become a case study as clubs scramble for stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the result affect Exeter City’s fight against relegation?
The win lifts Exeter to 14th with 16 points, creating a three‑point cushion over the drop zone. With only two matches left before the November International break, the club now has a realistic chance to secure safety, provided they maintain defensive solidity.
What were the key tactical adjustments that led to Exeter’s success?
Taylor switched to a high‑pressing 4‑3‑3 after a sluggish first half, using McMillan’s wing‑back runs to overload Plymouth’s right flank. The early goal forced Argyle to sit deeper, allowing Exeter to dominate possession and create the second chance.
Who scored the goals and at what minutes?
Midfielder Reece Cole opened the scoring in the 18th minute and added his second in the 63rd, both from inside the penalty area after quick one‑two passes.
Will the derby win boost Exeter’s attendance for upcoming games?
Historically, a derby victory sparks a spike in local support. Ticket sales for the Mansfield Town clash have already risen by 12%, and fan forums predict a near‑sell‑out crowd at St James Park.
How did Plymouth Argyle’s manager respond to the defeat?
Plymouth’s boss, Steven Schumacher, said after the match, "We lacked cutting edge in the final third, but we’ll regroup and address the defensive lapses that cost us.”
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