Seeing Double

DEREK Adams can see two reasons why victory on Saturday would be particularly sweet.

Not only is the game a chance in increase a lead at the top of Sky Bet League 2 that currently stands at five points, the 18th league game of Argyle's season will come against Exeter City in a derby clash that manager Adams understands the importance of. The duel prospect of maintaining local superiority whilst forging further clear on a national scale is something Derek is relishing. 

Adams' side have now won seven in their last eight Sky Bet League 2 fixtures; an impressive run of form the manager is hoping will not come to a halt when he faces off with the Grecians on Saturday.

After a 2-0 victory for Argyle in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy over Exeter earlier in the season, a lot of emphasis has been put on the fact that this is the first time the two teams have met as part of a league fixture in 2015-16 - something Derek wanted to stress too: “We’re looking forward to it. We enjoyed the last one and obviously it’s a league game this time so I think both teams are looking forward to it. The teams will be changed from the last time. 

“Any derby match is a great occasion. The more fans you can have in a stadium and the better the atmosphere then the players respond to that - I’m sure our players will do that.

“It was a nice atmosphere (when the teams played in the cup). This Saturday will be even better because there’ll be a bigger crowd and it’s a Saturday fixture.

“Everybody wants to gain the three points in every game, but in a derby match you want to beat your rivals; and Exeter are our rivals.”

Luke McCormick, Reuben Reid and Hiram Boateng all missed the fixture against York last weekend through injury but have not yet been ruled out of this weekend’s match.

“They’re progressing well," said Derek. "I’m unsure at this moment in time (if they will feature on Saturday) but what I will say is that they’re looking good. They’re looking like they’re improving on a daily basis so I’m not going to rule anybody out at this moment in time.