Paint it Green

...and the Argyle boss is acutely aware of how important this win is to the entire county of Devon - and beyond. 

The Pilgrims' late-summer tour of chants, smiles and victories rolled through Exeter and showed no signs of letting up, as Argyle flew out of blocks to quickly take control of the 104th Devon Derby.

In the sixth minute, Craig Tanner's cross was expertly brought down by Paul-Arnold Garita, who laid off for Graham Carey to guide in his fourth goal of the season. The outstanding Garita took on goalscoring duties two minutes later, powering past the City defense to latch onto Tanner's pass and slide a shot beyond Bobby Olejnik.

"We played a nice ball down the side, we get a good cut-back and Graham tucks the ball away into the corner," said Adams on his side's opener.

"Then we get a good ball in midfield, we turned with Tanner, a ball in between the centre halves for Garita, who was a menace all day, and we got the second goal.

On Garita's performance, Derek said: "He's a big player for us, playing up front. He's only just in, he's 21 years of age, but his running power today was very good.

"He ran forward; we knew that if we could get balls down the side, we would cause trouble, and we did that. We had people running beyond in Carey and Tanner.

"We gave ourselves a very good start today, and to go in two goals ahead was very pleasing."

The hosts grew into the game more after the break but, continuing an ever-present trend this season, Argyle soaked up the pressure and rarely looked like giving up another impressive win.

"They had possession in the second half; that was always going to be the case," said Derek. "We could've gone on to score more goals. Exeter might've scored as well, but we defended well. It could've been a different scoreline - it might've been higher for us, but a 2-0 win away from home is not easy. It's a clean sheet, and we're delighted with that.

"A very good performance today. I thought that we were in total control of the game, from a defensive point of view and an attacking point of view. We could've probably gone on to win [by] four or five, but then we had to be strong defensively, as well. We've played well today all over the pitch."

Around 1,500 members of the Green Army were present and in outstanding voice from start to finish, and were met by a passionate, fist-pumping Adams after he recorded his first win in the stomping ground of Argyle's fiercest rivals.

"It's always good to come away from home and win games, but especially in a Devon Derby," said Derek. 

"I saw a banner unveiled before the game. What I would like to say is Devon is green and white tonight - and it always will be."