All Eyes on City

AFTER three wins – and three clean sheets – in a week, the way is clear for John Sheridan’s resurgent Pilgrims to concentrate on next Saturday’s little local spat at Exeter City.

Seldom in recent times has a Devon Expressway Derby meant so much to either side of the divide, with both sides in the promotion hunt, and not even Argyle manager John Sheridan and his players were looking to play down it importance in the wake of the Pilgrims’ 2-0 win over Cambridge United.

“We have got a great game next week against Exeter – a really good game for us,” said John, after goals from Ryan Brunt and Lewi Alessandra has achieved a third successive win for the Pilgrims.

“With three clean sheets, we go into the game confident, but derby games, usually, are very tight. Exeter are a good footballing side, so it will be a really tough game for us, but we will go there while we are on this run; we’ll be confident; and we’ll be trying to win the game. 

“It’s important to try and get three points from each game we play now.” 

Ryan, who came off the bench to net the 81st-minute opener against Cambridge, said: “You have got to go out and hold your own. They are the games you want to play as a professional, so we are all looking forward to it.

“Whoever we play, it’s a big game next week – whether it’s Accrington or Exeter. It does equally important and to get the three points would be a massive thing for us.”

Chesterfield loanee Drew Talbot, who was making only his fourth Pilgrims appearance in the 2-0 triumph over Cambridge, is as up for the game as anyone.

“I already checked it as soon as I found out I was coming down because I knew about the derby and I’ve got quite a good record against Exeter, I think, so I hope to continue that. 

“It’s a big game. They’re a one-off and anything can happen in those games, so it’s important we get the three points on Saturday.”

Midfielder Olly Lee, whose loan from Birmingham expires after the derby, said: “We couldn’t ask for any better, to be honest. All the lads can’t wait for it now.

“We’re both up there. They are not far off us, so it would be nice to put another bit of distance between us. We just can’t wait to get out there on Saturday.”